The purpose of the Women’s Law Caucus is to bring together the community of Lewis & Clark Law students interested in exploring the wide spectrum of legal issues affecting women and gender equity. WLC seeks to transform the legal profession by pursuing equitable access to the legal system and advancing equity for women and communities that have been historically and systemically oppressed. Through support, mentorship, community engagement, and professional development, WLC empowers students and future advocates to promote gender justice, challenge inequities within the legal system, and strengthen connections within the broader community. All who are committed to advancing women’s rights, equity, and inclusion are welcome to join, regardless of gender or identity.
Briana is a 3L pursuing a JD with a Certificate in Environmental and Natural Resources Law. She worked as a judicial extern in the U.S. District Court of Oregon and as a Summer Associate at Schwabe in Portland. She is an Executive Editor of the Animal Law Review and Secretary of NALSA. Briana enjoys gardening and exploring the PNW with her family.
Tracey Nguyen: co-Vice President
Tracey is a 3L from right here in beautiful Portland. She is interested in civil litigation and currently works as an Oregon Department of Justice law clerk. She loves trying out new hobbies, but most consistently, she reads and goes on nature walks.
AK Sousa: co-Vice President
AK is a 3L interested in becoming a civil defense litigator and trial attorney. In addition to pursuing certificates in Business Law and Trial Advocacy, AK is also an Associate Editor of the Lewis & Clark Law Review, a returning member of the mock trial team, and a legal research fellow for business and international law Prof. Foster. Originally from New Jersey, AK has spent the last two years getting to know Portland’s local businesses through her work experiences at the Small Business Legal Clinic, As Your Counsel transactional firm, and the woman-owned insurance defense firm, Rhode Faddis & Benn.
Shady Gonzales: Treasurer
Shady Gonzales is a rising 2L at Lewis & Clark Law School. Originally from California, she moved to Oregon to begin law school after spending two gap years traveling. During her 1L summer, Shady worked as a Summer Associate at Stoel Rives. She will return to the firm for her 2L summer as a Litigation Summer Associate. This year, Shady will serve as a member of Lewis & Clark Law Review, a Student Success Fellow for Professor Shapiro’s Torts course, and a member of both the Oregon Hispanic Bar Association and the Native American Law Student Association.
Samantha Pioli: Event Coordinator
Hi! My name is Samantha, but you can call me Sam or Sammi. I am a third-year law student, and I am WLC’s Event Coordinator. I am also the Managing Editor for Environmental Law Review and Co-President for Students for International Environmental Law. I am interested in environmental law, specifically in environmental justice and biodiversity issues in international, ocean, and coastal law. In my free time, I play volleyball, bake sourdough, and walk my two dogs.
Tavia Andrew: OWLS Liaison
I am a 2L at Lewis & Clark Law School and basically an Oregon native, although I was born in Wisconsin. I am not completely settled on which area of law I want to pursue, but my work with the National Plaintiffs Law Association has made me excited to explore plaintiffs-side advocacy. Outside of law school, my most practiced form of advocacy is convincing myself that another concert ticket is a financially responsible purchase.
