Rachel Ballard

Brief Background:

I was as a legal assistant for several years before moving to Oregon in 2019. I maintained a full-time job as an intellectual property docket clerk for three years while doing night classes.

What made you want to go to law school?

I was raised by two social workers so a career in advocacy was somewhat of a given. I felt that law school was a good fit for my skill set, though my dad might say I just like to argue. I have always enjoyed diving deep into complex issues.

Why did you choose Lewis & Clark?

I chose Lewis & Clark because I love Portland and heard that L&C offered a collaborative and uplifting environment, as opposed the traditional competitive law school environment.

What’s your favorite class? Why?

That’s a tough question, given that I have had so many enjoyable classes. Public International Law with Professor Wold and Federal Courts with Professor Klonoff are my favorite. They are the most challenging courses I have taken but I can easily say I learned the most and grew the most in them, thanks to Professor Wold and Professor Klonoff. I also nerd out on International Law and Supreme Court jurisprudence.

Tell us about your involvement and leadership with the Immigration Student Group (ISG). How does this work complement your academic experience?

I have been on the ISG board since I was a 1L. ISG has been a great opportunity to engage with other students and members of the Portland legal community. Working with ISG has helped keep me grounded and remind me of the vital work attorneys do and the importance of skills like cultural competence and trauma informed lawyering. The opportunity to work with and receive guidance from Professor Stumpf has been golden opportunity.

What do you like or find most interesting about your certificate program?

I think international law is interesting because it is vital for both public and private interests. Professor Foster teaches great courses like International Dispute Resolution and International Business Transactions that highlight important issues in today’s global economy.

How did your financial aid package influence your decision to attend Lewis & Clark?

I received a substantial scholarship and chose L&C despite receiving a full scholarship elsewhere so that I could stay in Portland.

List up to three activities (school-related or not) that you are involved in. Pick the ones that are most important to you and tell us why.

1. I work as a research assistant for Professor John Parry. This opportunity has been great as a part-time student because I can do the work on my own time. Professor Parry is one of the best on campus and has been a really great supporter of mine.
2. I am the 2024-25 International Law Research Fellow working with the International Law Committee. I love international law, and this opportunity has allowed me to dive deeper into complex issues.
3. I am currently on the Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition team. This opportunity took me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to not only develop my oral advocacy skills, but to put the skills I have learned in school to the test.

How has Lewis & Clark changed you?

The relationships I have formed and the mentorship I have received, from both faculty and peers, has been life changing. I can honestly say I am a better person after three years at L&C.

What is your favorite thing about living in Portland?

Despite being from California, I love the weather here. The rain and the trees are so beautiful it really makes living here easy. Also, Portland has the best food hands-down.

Tell us about a meaningful Lewis & Clark academic experience that happened outside of the classroom.

I participated in an asylum bootcamp ISG hosted with the PCC CLEAR Clinic over spring break in 2022. We did a crash course on asylum law and then interviewed clients and drafted asylum applications under attorney supervision. Having this opportunity to get out of the classroom experience as a night student was incredibly valuable.

Do you have any advice for students making their final law school choices?

Do what is best for you, not what others think you should do. People can offer valuable guidance, but you know yourself best. Trust your instincts.

What was the hardest thing about adjusting to law school?

Coming to law school post-pandemic was challenging. My attention span had taken a hit. I worked hard to get my concentration back to make it through the mountains of reading that come with law school.

What did you do/plan to do during the summers?

I worked full-time during my first three years, so I have not had the traditional law school experience. I spent my first two summers doing summer classes and was able to do an externship at the firm I was working at during my last summer.

What externships or clinics have you participated in and what was your favorite part of the externship/clinic?

I externed for my previous employer, Klarquist Sparkman, over the summer. It was a great opportunity to get hands on experience and learn from some of the best attorneys in the Pacific Northwest.

What is your favorite spot on campus?

I spend too much time in Boley Library. The windows offer a beautiful view and create a terrific study spot.

Do you have any other stories, comments, or experiences you would like to share?

Law school is what you make it. Put in the work and trust yourself.

International Law