Amy Kraitchman
I chose L&C because of the opportunities and network within the environmental law program.
Degree and Class Year
Hometown
Undergraduate/Graduate School(s)
Areas of legal interest(s)
Brief Background
I graduated from Oregon State University in 2019 with a degree in environmental economics and policy. At OSU, I focused my research on sustainable resource management and climate change issues. After graduating I didn’t really end up doing much during my year off due to COVID-19, but the time to relax and spend time with family/friends was so valuable before starting law school. At Lewis & Clark, I am currently the editor-in-chief of Environmental Law Review and a board member of SEED (Students Eliminating Environmental Discrimination). When not doing school work, I love to spend time outside (hiking, scuba diving, camping), reading, or watching trashy reality TV.
What was the hardest thing about adjusting to law school?
Learning how to balance schoolwork and your life. The workload and pace of law school is very different from my undergrad experience. Remember to take time to take care of yourself and to do things you enjoy. It’s easy to feel the need to compare yourself to classmates, but the L&C community is filled with great people who will support you/your achievements no matter what (shout out to my 1L Blue Pod lol).
What made you decide to go to law school?
In my senior year at OSU I interned at the Oregon State Capitol and had the opportunity to work on the cap and trade bill. It was a great experience to see policymaking up close but also to see how valuable understanding the law is in creating effective policy. I came to law school interested in learning more about how policy, law, and advocacy intersect as a way to protect our planet and our most vulnerable communities.
Do you have any bits of advice for students making their final law school choices?
Talk to people! Don’t be afraid to reach out to current students to hear about their experience and law school journey. People love to talk about themselves, so buy them a cup of coffee and they’ll answer any questions you have!
Why did you choose to attend Lewis & Clark?
The opportunities and network within the environmental law program. Also, if you’re going to spend a lot of studying, might as well do it in a place where it is gray and raining most of the year.
