News and Events

Allison LePlante steps down as director of Earthrise after nearly 20 years of service at Lewis & Clark Law School. 

Sure, Chevron is “bad law,” the red flag of Westlaw ominously marking its grave. Yet, at least for purposes of studying administrative law, it should remain canon. Why? Although the Supreme Court’s decision in Loper Bright alters the deference landscape in important ways—giving courts power at the expense of agencies—these changes may not be as profound as a surface-level inspection suggests. And even if they are, they cannot be appreciated unless juxtaposed with the Chevron era.  

Clinic Students assisted in the creation of a UNODC report, assessing the rates at which countries criminalize environmental harms. The report will eventually be published as a chapter in a larger UNODC environmental crimes publication.

The Global Law Alliance clinic, alongside Mercy for Animals, recently published a report exploring legal pathways under the Ramsar Convention to regulate industrial animal agriculture impacts on wetlands.

Lia Comerford to serve as Acting Director as we bid Farewell to Allison LaPlante

Deadline: May 31, 2024

Lewis & Clark law students in Professor Robert Klonoff’s Complex Litigation class had the unique opportunity to learn from top PFAS litigation lawyers. Their virtual visit highlighted the significance of private enforcement in environmental litigation, emphasizing the practical experiences students gain under the guidance of faculty like Professor Klonoff.

Every year, faculty and staff nominate graduating students to join the Cornelius Honor Society, recognizing their excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service to the law school community.

Lydia’s argument to protect stretches of the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests is a culmination of her work as a summer clerk, clinic student, and now a fellow.

This Earth Day, Clinical Professor Erica Lyman explains why it will take global action to protect wild animals from the harmful effects of plastics.

For Lewis & Clark Law School, Earth Day isn’t a once-a-year event—it’s a daily mission. Explore the ongoing environmental endeavors of our faculty and students:

Lewis & Clark Law School’s 9th annual Environmental Law Spring Symposium, “Animal Agriculture and Climate Change — The Really Big Cow In The Room,” convened experts to discuss the urgent need to address the adverse impacts of industrial animal agriculture on climate change. Nicholas Kristof, of NY Times, gave the keynote address.

Professor Lisa Benjamin co-authored briefs to the International Court of Justice and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea to establish state obligations around climate change as part of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Clinic students supported the effort.

Please join us to celebrate Earth Day every day in April.

GEI and Sierra Club join together to file two separate amicus briefs arguing that processes overseen by the Public Utility Commission end in final orders that are subject to appeal.