Alexander Gersovitz

I was born to and raised in Western Montana by a public defender father and journalist mother; and I’ve lived in Portland, Oregon, for over 10 years. I attended Reed College, where I wrote my thesis on radical environmentalism and received a bachelor of arts in political science. Prior to attending L&C Law, I worked with attorneys to secure compensation for wrongfully terminated employees, to defend the rights of defendants charged with crimes, to advocate for people in family law matters, to ensure fair treatment for people injured in accidents, and to advocate for children at Youth, Rights, and Justice in Portland.

Growing up around public defense, I saw first-hand the ways the legal system could help overlooked individuals and wanted to be a lawyer since I was a young child. Post-college my political interests took me in a different direction. I worked temporary jobs between campaigns, often in law offices. There, I rediscovered my passion for law and the countless ways it can have a very real, beneficial impact on people’s lives.

Being in Portland for so long, I was well acquainted with Lewis & Clark’s great academic reputation and vibrant alumni community. It was also important to me to stay on the West Coast, in a place I’d grown to know and love.

Integrated Evidence and Trial Advocacy with Professor Jo Perini-Abbott. For someone who plans to spend a lot of time in the courtroom, this class is great. I’m also fascinated by evidentiary issues. Professor Perini-Abbott not only provides an in-depth modern understanding of the rules of evidence, but also adds a solid practice-ready foundation by weaving in her extensive courtroom experience in readily translatable ways.

I’m happy I’m pursuing the Litigation and Advocacy Skills Certificate because it demonstrates a clear dedication to my passion. The curriculum looks at litigation and advocacy from both theoretical and real-world perspectives; and encourages a broad understanding of how best to position those perspectives in the courtroom.

Associate Editor, Lewis & Clark Law Review; Vice President, Criminal Defense Association; Vice President of Networking and Events, Lewis & Clark Plaintiffs Law Association.

Being on Law Review was a longtime dream of mine, and I was lucky enough to be accepted last year. I’ve become a more detail-oriented law student and a better researcher as a result. Plus, the articles cover a huge range of interesting topics. As the vice president of the Criminal Defense Association, I love introducing students to the different areas of criminal defense. At the Plaintiffs Law Association, I get to plan events connecting students with local attorneys.

Hard to pick just one, but it would be a combination of the bicycle-friendly transit and the restaurant scene. I also love being an hour or so away from Mt. Hood and the Pacific Ocean in case I ever want to get out of town.

The same advice I give to any of my friends making a big life decision: trust your gut. If it doesn’t feel right, it’s not for you.

Professor Aliza Kaplan. Since the first day of 1L year, Professor Kaplan has been an amazing soundboard for anything from curriculum-planning choices to the dynamics of Oregon criminal defense.

Advocacy Center