Jessica Hall
L&C emphasizes the importance of making sure students are set up for success in their jobs during school and after graduation, and I think they do a good job of that!
Pronouns
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:
Growing up in Utah really shaped me and my love for the outdoors. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Utah. I got a BS in political science and a BS in environmental studies. I took a gap year where I worked for the Forest Service in D.C. briefly before taking the LSAT and going to law school.
What made you want to go to law school?
I figured it out toward the end of college as a good combination of my two degrees. I also knew I enjoyed reading and writing. I felt passionately about what I learned in college about our political system and the environment. I took an environmental policy course and the professor had a law degree and I really enjoyed the class. Studying environmental law seemed like an effective way to help protect the environment and encourage change.
Why did you choose Lewis & Clark?
The environmental law program initially drew me to apply and then visiting the campus and Portland solidified it. The campus and Portland in general is beautiful, I could see myself living in the PNW coming from a place like Utah.
What’s your favorite class? Why?
Contracts with Professor Cunningham-Parameter! Of the 1L required classes this one was the most interesting to me and the professor is my favorite so far because of his teaching style and dedication to student success.
Tell us about your involvement and leadership with Students for International Environmental Law (SIEL). How does this work complement your academic experience?
I’m currently the event planner for SIEL. I was a member during my 1L year and now I’m on the board. It’s a great group to get to meet like-minded people and learn about opportunities in the international environmental legal field. We do a good combination of educational events and fun events, so it’s a good complement to my academics to see real environmental work in play and have a bit of fun too.
What do you like or find most interesting about your certificate program?
I like that it gives me some structure for my course schedule. There are a lot of amazing classes at L&C and only two years where you can pick the ones you want to take. So far it’s been easy to pick courses that qualify for the certificate program and that I’m interested in taking. I like that it’s not too rigorous and very attainable while being able to take some other classes in other areas that I’m interested in too.
How did your financial aid package influence your decision to attend Lewis & Clark?
It was a major part of my decision. The scholarship I was provided helped a lot in deciding between law schools.
What is your favorite thing about living in Portland?
I have two: the nature and the food! The school itself is in an amazing park: Tryon Creek and I’ve loved exploring the trails there. The PNW is unlike anywhere I’ve been and there’s so many fun outdoor experiences. Plus living so close to the coast! The food scene here is amazing, I think you could live here your whole life and still have new places to try.
Were you considering any other schools or programs besides Lewis & Clark? What set L&C apart?
I was considering several other schools that had impressive environmental programs, but a few things set L&C apart. First, the location. Being in a bigger city was important to me, and I think it’s important for work opportunities and to meet attorneys in the legal field. Also L&C emphasized the importance of making sure students are set up for success in their jobs during school and after graduation, and I think they’ve done a good job of that so far!
