Program: Online MSL in Environmental, Natural Resources, & Energy Law
Graduation Date: January 2025
Current Position: Eastern Sierra Policy Coordinator, Mono Lake Committee
Teri Tracy has seamlessly transitioned from a three-decade career in criminal justice to a fulfilling second career in environmental conservation. As the Eastern Sierra Policy Coordinator for the Mono Lake Committee, Teri now spends her days advocating for the preservation of Mono Lake’s unique ecosystem.
Teri’s connection with the Mono Lake Committee began during a six-month internship in 2023, an opportunity that perfectly aligned with her studies in the MSL program at Lewis & Clark Law School. When she was offered a full-time position with the organization in 2024, she eagerly joined the team. Splitting her time between Lee Vining, California, and her home in Colorado, Teri contributes to policy efforts aimed at safeguarding Mono Lake and the surrounding Eastern Sierra region.
Reflecting on her time at Lewis & Clark, Teri credits the program with helping her secure her current role. “This program absolutely opened the door to an entry-level position with an environmental organization that I admire,” she shares. “My coursework provided foundations in many areas of environmental law, policy, and regulation that helped me be a productive member of the team.”
Before attending Lewis & Clark, Teri worked for 30 years with the Colorado Judicial Department as a probation officer. As she neared retirement, she discovered a new passion for environmental law through an online course that introduced her to the Mono Lake Story and the public trust doctrine. That moment, Teri explains, “hooked” her and set her on the path to pursue her MSL at Lewis & Clark.
For Teri, environmental law represents a vital tool in the fight to protect the planet. “It’s been a wild ride since starting the MSL in the fall of 2021—Sackett, Loper Bright, the return of Trump, and more,” she reflects. “I take heart in seeing passionate environmentalists continue to look for all the ways to get traction.”
Teri’s journey through the program wasn’t without its challenges. Balancing screen-heavy work and studies required adjustments, but she found the rigor of the program to be deeply rewarding. Among her favorite experiences were Wildlife Law with Professor Rohlf and Environmental Justice with Professor O’Neill.
As Teri continues her work with the Mono Lake Committee, her dedication to environmental conservation and her ability to pivot into a new career late in life stand as inspiring examples of the power of following one’s passion. Her advice to prospective students is simple yet impactful: “Look on LinkedIn for someone in the program, like me, and reach out to them directly for their insights.”