Bailey Grinter
My work in the Small Business Legal Clinic was the first time in law school that I really felt like a lawyer.
Degree and Class Year
Program Type
Program
Certificate
Hometown
Undergraduate/Graduate School(s)
Areas of legal interest(s)
What three words would you use to describe L&C?
Brief Background:
I grew up in Southern Illinois, and I graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a degree in biology. After graduation, I did a month of research in a lab and decided that biology was not for me. I decided to try to take the LSAT and the rest is history.
What made you want to go to law school?
I took a Conservation Biology Course in undergrad that really opened my eyes to the good that lawyers can do for the environment. When I was considering what I wanted to do after graduation, this class pushed me in the direction of law school.
Why did you choose Lewis & Clark?
I chose Lewis & Clark for its beautiful campus, proximity to mountainous and coastal terrain, and its Environmental Law program.
What’s your favorite class? Why?
Ocean and Coastal Law with Professor Wold. I really enjoyed the subject matter and I think Professor Wold is a great professor.
Tell us about your involvement and leadership with Students for International Environmental Law. How does this work complement your academic experience?
I have been involved with SIEL since I was a 1L rep. In my 2L year I was the secretary and this year I am the president. Even though I no longer want to do international environmental law, I have enjoyed staying in touch with the community. SIEL has not directly complimented my academic experience, it helped me become friends with upperclassmen when I was a 1L.
What do you like or find most interesting about your certificate program?
I like how the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Certificate offers many options for students to get the same certificate. Unlike an undergrad certificate—where in my experience everyone had to take the same few classes—at L&C, there is a wide variety of environmental law classes that a student can take to get the certificate.
What externships or clinics have you participated in and what was your favorite part of the externship/clinic?
I participated in the Small Business Legal Clinic (SBLC). At SBLC, you have two clients and you are with them from the first initial client interview until closing the matter. It was the first time in law school that I really felt like a lawyer. The supervising attorney guides the student interns, but it really is up to the student on how they want to handle each matter.
What is your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot on campus is in the quiet section next to the windows looking out into Tryon. It’s a nice spot to get a lot of work done while also being immersed in nature.
