Beyond the Bar
Most graduates of law school go on to practice law, working in law firms or providing legal counsel to organizations and businesses. Yet, for some, the lessons of law apply more broadly, and the outcome of their law school education has been a surprising and successful career outside of law. Here are just a few of our alums who followed an alternative route.
Eric Lemelson ’92
President, Lemelson Foundation
Founder, Lemelson Vineyards
President and Founder of the Karuna Foundation
“Studying environmental law at LC, I did not foresee a career in business, but my interests were always broad. It turns out that I had too much energy to just sit behind a desk. My aunt, who had a small organic farm in southern New Jersey, had a big influence on me growing up. I always loved growing plants, immersing in nature, and working with my hands. That passion, combined with a truly revelatory experience tasting Oregon pinot noirs in the 1990s, led me to plant a few acres of wine grapes on land I bought in the volcanic hills southwest of Portland. Soon I was making wine.
While winemaking was my main ‘for-profit’ enterprise—and sometimes it seems like a nonprofit—I later realized I wasn’t making the difference I wanted to in the world, which prompted my pivot to my current focus: climate activism and sustainable development. Over the last decade, I’ve devoted most of my time to two nonprofits. The Karuna Foundation, which I started, focuses on climate adaptation and climate justice in the Himalaya region, while the Lemelson Foundation, a family foundation started by my father and our family, focuses on techology, innovation, and sustainable development in the US and the developing world generally. Throughout this unconventional journey, skills I cultivated in law school have been invaluable—especially critical thinking, concise writing (thank you Mike Blumm!), and learning to make decisions in an information-rich environment.”
Adina R. Flynn ’96, BFA
Financial Advisor
Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
“I practiced litigation in the big tobacco lawsuits for three years, but I quickly realized that litigation is not in my nature and I wasn’t finding fulfillment there.
That’s when I pivoted to financial planning, and ironically, I use my law degree more than ever. The critical thinking from law school—the ability to spot the issue, poke holes in reasoning, and see what’s missing—is exactly what allows me to find the best solutions for my clients. The ethics and tax law classes were invaluable, giving me a framework for tax strategies and navigating financial grey areas with integrity.
My path was profoundly shaped by being a first-generation college student from a blue-collar family. I am deeply grateful for my time at Lewis & Clark, where the collaborative nature of my peers taught me the value of breaking down complex ideas and supporting one another.
I’ve been a financial planner for 26 years. Today, I have a practice with Ameriprise Financial in Portland and could not be happier with my life. I find fulfillment in helping people reach their financial goals and navigate the daily decisions they need to make to achieve them.”
David Howitt ’94
Founder, CEO
Meriwether Group and Meriwether Capital
(Hero Fund)
“While in law school, I supported my then-girlfriend (who later became my wife) in starting and growing Oregon Chai—an experience that forever cemented my love affair with guiding, supporting, and helping entrepreneurs. After a brief time practicing law, I deepened my consumer brand expertise for eight years as Vice President of Licensing and Business Development at adidas. In 2004, I founded The Meriwether Group, advising iconic Portland businesses such as Dave’s Killer Bread and Stumptown Coffee, helping them scale into household national brands. Most recently, I have led two key initiatives that give entrepreneurs and founders access to growth capital and best-in-class financial resources. I also wrote a New York Times bestselling book, Heed Your Call, to inspire others to embrace their own entrepreneurial journey.
One of the most powerful lessons I learned in law school was how to argue in the alternative—the ability to hold multiple arguments simultaneously in the pursuit of truth. Expanding on that idea, I developed my core philosophy: embracing the Power of AND. We can build businesses with purpose, heart, beauty, and authenticity AND ground them in strong operations, finance, brand, and market strategy. We can respect the environment AND make a profit. We can strengthen our communities AND achieve success.”
Jun Ge ’95
Chairman & CEO
TOJOY Enterprises Services
“After graduating from Lewis & Clark in 1995, I practiced law as in-house counsel for Intel, where I handled legal and policy matters across the Asia-Pacific region. Over time, my role expanded, and I transitioned from legal counsel into broader business and leadership responsibilities, eventually serving as global vice president at Intel, Apple, and NVIDIA, leading strategic development in China and the region. Today, I serve as CEO of TOJOY, China’s largest business accelerator platform, working to empower entrepreneurs and foster cross-border innovation.
I didn’t go to law school expecting to move away from practicing law, but as technology and global markets evolved, I saw the opportunity to contribute on a larger scale. The analytical rigor, structured problem-solving, and negotiation skills I developed at law school proved invaluable as I led large-scale investments and built public-private partnerships across diverse cultures. My journey reflects a commitment to using business as a force for good—bridging tech nology, sustainability, and entrepreneurship—guided by the mindset I gained at Lewis & Clark.”
Ray Williams ’81
President
Williams Organic Farms, LLC
“I began practicing law near my hometown of Walla Walla, Washington, in 1981 while simultaneously managing my family’s farm. I enjoyed this dual existence as farmer at law/attorney at farm, but as the farm grew to over 3,000 irrigated acres— supplying organic grains to partners like Bob’s Red Mill—it demanded my full attention. Not wanting to blaze new frontiers of legal malpractice, I chose to focus exclusively on our agricultural business. It was the right decision.
Although I did not make law my lifelong career, I am deeply grateful for the experience. The analytical skills I gained have been invaluable in business and throughout my 10-plus years on Oregon’s Water Resources Commission. I hope these skills will also aid the community effort to bring Columbia River water to the Walla Walla Valley, benefiting both local fish and farmers.
Bottom line: Law school and the practice of law have given me a better understanding of how society works and what it values. Perhaps most importantly, it connected me with people I never would have met otherwise. For that, I am extremely grateful.”
My law school friends and I have participated in an organized swim across the Columbia River for over 20 years. I am not saying that a long history of swimming across the Columbia with very close friends and their children justifies all the hard work and challenge that law school demanded. However, looking back, it seems to come pretty close.”
Bowen Blair ’80
Author, A Force for Nature: Nancy Russell’s Fight to Save the Columbia Gorge
Former member, Columbia River Gorge Commission and the National Park System Advisory Board
Senior Vice President, Trust for Public Land
“I went to law school for a career in environmental advocacy. My career allowed me to work with talented leaders, passing federal legislation and purchasing conservation lands for the public and tribes. After helping pass the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act—one of the most contentious public land laws at the time—I started the Trust for Public Land’s Oregon office and then led its acquisition efforts nationally, transferring $500 million of land each year into protected ownership.
At TPL, I founded the nation’s first ‘Land Back’ program, acquiring 200,000 acres for 70 tribes, and later co-founded Indian Country Conservancy, the first Native-led organization to return conservation lands to tribes across the country. I also served on the Columbia River Gorge Commission and the National Park System Advisory Board.
My legal education was foundational. It taught me to think analytically, write concisely, and to speak publicly (without being terrified!). Understanding constitutional law— shout-outs to professors Jim Huffman and Steve Kanter—was invaluable (especially with the Gorge legislation). And it wasn’t just skills; my relationships with professors were essential, providing inspiration and critical support throughout my career.”
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