Peter Esho

Brief Background:
Prior to law school, I was a Legislative Aide in the Michigan House of Representatives, and I had spent a summer as a law clerk at The Gallagher Law Firm in East Lansing, MI doing estate and probate work. I’m a first generation college student and the first in my family to ever attend law school.

Three Activities I’m involved in:

1) I am a musician! I formed my band with three other Lewis and Clark students when we were 1Ls.

2) I am involved with the Arab American Cultural Center of Oregon as a board member, we most recently began a COVID-19 food relief package program and have distributed non-perishable food items to dozens of families during the pandemic.

3) I work as a Law Clerk at Samuels Yoelin Kantor LLP in downtown Portland!

Why law school?
After spending some time working on the policy side of the law, I wanted to get a new perspective and move away from the public sector. My constituent services work in the legislature made me realize that I like to solve problems for people who don’t know where else to turn, and I think that is an important part of being an attorney. I want to be able to advocate for clients and help troubleshoot their problems.

Why Lewis & Clark?
I had my heart set on moving to the Pacific Northwest and applied to all the schools in the region. Lewis & Clark offered a phone interview as part of the application process and I decided to do it. During that interview, I learned about all the opportunities to network and the advantages of being located in Portland, as compared to other schools in the region. After one visit to Lewis & Clark, I was sold on the school and moved from Michigan to Oregon a few months later!

Top 8 Favorite Things Around Portland

1. The best bar in town is a two way tie between Creepy’s and Roadside Attraction (and they’re walking distance from one another!),
2. Goodfoot does funk night Fridays and it’s always amazing.
3. Go to Washington Park and explore the Japanese Garden and the Rose Garden.
4. The best wings in town are at Fire on the Mountain.
5. Portland is home to Secret Aardvark Sauce - one of the best hot sauces ever.
6. Kayaking on the Willamette on a beautiful day is a second to none experience.
7. Pittock Mansion has the best view of the city.
8. Thunder Road Guitars in NW Portland is one of the best guitar stores in the country and I would live there if I could!