News From the Law School

The Jeff Jones “Nicely Done” Award, honoring the late Professor Jeffrey D. Jones, is given annually by the Student Bar Association (SBA) to students who embody accountability, empathy, and community. This year, the SBA has selected Rianka Macwan ’24, Sun Kim ’24, and Paige Punzalan ’25 as the 2024 recipients.

Originally drawn to law school to seek justice for animals in captivity, Rianka Macwan, JD ’24, maximized her law student experience by fully exploring and participating in all of her interests. Through this personal and professional work, she decided to launch her career as the LITC’s ABA Tax Fellow.

The Lezak Social Justice Fellowship awards summer stipends to law students, motivating them to contribute to the Oregon community while offering mentorship and support. In 2024, four outstanding students—Elaine Morado ’26, Tanner Condit ’25, Stephanie Scheno ’25, and Zoe Fielden ’26—have been chosen as fellows. 

Jessica Bridges ’25 and Diana Bettles ’13 are the recipients of this year’s Harpole Scholarship and Harpole Attorney Award and Harpole, respectively.

Román Hernández ’00 will deliver the 2024 Lewis & Clark Law School commencement address, sharing his experience as a first generation student of migrant farm workers, serving in the military, building a distinguished legal career, and becoming a celebrated leader in the community.

Lewis & Clark Law School’s moot court team advanced to the national quarterfinals—the first in over a decade— and was honored with “Most Professional Team” award.

Lewis & Clark Law School’s 9th annual Environmental Law Spring Symposium, “Animal Agriculture and Climate Change — The Really Big Cow In The Room,” convened experts to discuss the urgent need to address the adverse impacts of industrial animal agriculture on climate change. Nicholas Kristof, of NY Times, gave the keynote address.

Students share their experiences with mock trial and moot court at Lewis & Clark, highlighting the unique opportunity students have to gain litigation skills and experience while studying for their degrees.

Professor Lisa Benjamin co-authored briefs to the International Court of Justice and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea to establish state obligations around climate change as part of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Clinic students supported the effort.

Out of 178 Class of 2023 graduates, over 90% were employed within 10 months of graduation, and close to 85% were employed in jobs that require or prefer a JD degree.

Ouellette, with experience as both a law dean and professor, will begin her tenure in January 2025. Associate dean of faculty John Parry will serve as Interim Dean, as Jennifer Johnson steps down this summer from leading Lewis & Clark Law as dean for the past ten years. 

On March 9, alums Ying Chen, Mikalah Singer, and Natalie Hollabaugh and Professor Edward J. Sullivan were recognized as distinguished honorees for their contributions to the law school and their communities.

David Howitt ’94 is this year’s Distinguished Business Law Graduate, exemplifying the spirit of entrepreneurial leadership through his cultivation of brands such as Oregon Chai, Stumptown Coffee, and Dave’s Killer Bread.

Sarah Lora, Clinical Professor in the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, co-authored a book chapter on Tax Advocacy, published in the International Handbook on Clinical Tax Education.

On February 16, 2024, the Data Privacy Group held its annual Data Privacy Symposium, marking the five year anniversary since its initial debut.