Hometown: Rochester, Washington, USA
Program: LLM in Environmental, Natural Resources, & Energy Law
Graduation Date: January 2024
Current Position: Sr. Policy Advisor at the Washington State House of Representatives
Clayton Hill is making waves in environmental policy as a Senior Policy Advisor at the Washington State House of Representatives. With a focus on environment and energy issues, Clayton plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Washington’s environmental policies.
Before Clayton’s tenure at the House of Representatives, his career trajectory was marked by a decade of experience in criminal and civil litigation. In 2013, he transitioned to public policy, initially focusing on tax issues and economic development. However, his focus began to shift towards energy and environmental issues in 2019.
Clayton’s decision to pursue an LLM in Environmental Law at Lewis & Clark Law School was driven by the recognition of Washington state’s significant environmental challenges. From salmon recovery to transitioning to a 100% non-fossil fuel electric grid by 2045, Clayton understood the critical role environmental policy would play in shaping the state’s future.
“Washington state’s future will be shaped in profound ways by environmental policy,” Clayton remarks. “I pursued the LLM degree to equip myself for the conversations and solution-building processes that surround these issues.”
Passionate about environmental law for its profound impact on ecosystems, public health, and future generations, Clayton found Lewis & Clark’s program to be instrumental in advancing his career goals. “The program increased my confidence in the subject matter,” Clayton reflects. “Every professor was a true expert in their field. Program administrators were always kind, helpful, and quick to respond when I had a question. They made it easy to return to the academic environment after being away from it for many years.”
Reflecting on his time at Lewis & Clark, Clayton highlights the program’s flexibility, allowing him to balance his studies with a full-time job. For those considering the program, Clayton offers high praise, citing the exceptional faculty, course selection, and academic rigor as key strengths. Clayton particularly enjoyed two summer courses: The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and Flood Control Law & Regulation, where passionate instructors with deep experience enriched his learning experience.
Clayton’s journey from tax issues to environmental policy exemplifies the transformative impact of Lewis & Clark’s LLM program, empowering students like Clayton to drive positive change in environmental law and policy.