Current school:
3L at the University of North Dakota School of Law

Education and work experience:
Colorado State University, with a B.S. in Animal Science and a B.S. in Political Science and Legal Studies minor. I worked as a Legislative Aide at the state capitol in Denver from 2020 to 2022.

AALA leadership roles:
Member of the students and young professionals outreach committee

How did you get interested or involved in agricultural law?
During my senior year of high school, I was researching hot topics in the agriculture industry, trying to get ideas for the FFA Prepared Speaking contest, when I stumbled across a cattle theft case in northwestern Colorado. I was surprised this was still such a prevalent issue in 2014 and I decided to explore the issue further. After completing a job shadow with the law firm representing the cattle owner, I knew agricultural law was the career path I wanted to follow.

What is your current role and what type of work are you doing?
I am currently a Research Fellow for the National Agricultural Law Center and a Law Clerk at Lawrence Custer Grasmick Jones & Donovan LLP in Johnstown, Colorado. During the spring 2025 semester, I will be participating in the North Dakota Legislative Externship Program with the Legislative Council.

What are some challenges and opportunities you see in your job and the ag law profession?
We need to focus on getting more young attorneys into rural areas. I think students are hesitant to be ‘the small-town lawyer’ because they aren’t from a rural area or don’t have a background in agriculture. We need to explain to students that you don’t need expertise in agriculture to adequately serve a rural community. Access to information through agricultural law student organizations and related classes is one way we can accomplish this.

How does AALA help or benefit your profession or current role?
Membership in AALA has helped me expand my knowledge of various topics through the webinars and presentations at the annual symposium. Additionally, I have been able to build a professional network of attorneys and students.

What is one of your favorite AALA memories or experiences?
My first symposium in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2023! I enjoyed interacting with fellow law students who have a shared passion.