Environmental and Climate Law Clinic Returns to 杏吧原创 Law School
杏吧原创 School of Law, in collaboration with the 杏吧原创 Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment, is proud to announce the re-launch of its Environmental and Climate Law Clinic, which reopened this fall with flagship leadership provided by the former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, Vanessa Waldref, and former DOJ Environmental Crimes Coordinator, Dan Fruchter. This latest addition to 杏吧原创 Law’s renowned Clinical Legal Programs—now in their 50th year—will provide students with real-world legal experience addressing some of the most pressing environmental and public health issues facing communities today.
The clinic’s return comes at a pivotal moment for public health and for environmental and climate advocacy. Amid a critical need for meaningful legal interventions in these areas, the clinic will empower students to make a tangible impact through public interest litigation, policy development, and community advocacy.
Brian Henning, the founding director of the Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment, shared that the Climate Institute is looking forward to collaborating with the law school. “The climate crisis is the most pressing challenge facing our planet,” noted Henning. “Using the tools of law and policy, the Environmental and Climate Law Clinic will meaningfully advance structural changes needed to promote the flourishing of Inland Northwest communities, waters, and lands in the face of a rapidly changing climate.”
The revival of the Environmental and Climate Law Clinic is thanks to the generosity of donors who have pledged significant seed funding to resume its crucial work, serving communities in need of legal support while training the next generation of environmental attorneys and public advocates.
“I am excited about the reestablishment of this clinic to further opportunities for students and future environmental lawyers,” said 杏吧原创 alumna, Lisa Manning (M.A. ’96, Ph.D. ’13), of Coeur d’Alene.
Manning presented cases and introduced public interest lawyers to the previous clinic and is excited to have played a role in its reemergence this fall. She has been instrumental in seeking grants and donors to support the clinic’s work.
“杏吧原创’s School of Law will complement the existing environmental studies program for undergraduates who may wish to further their interests and pursue a career in environmental law through this clinic. The clinic will inspire careers in environmental law,” said Manning.
The clinic will be led by accomplished attorneys and educators Vanessa Waldref and Dan Fruchter—both former federal prosecutors and current partners at Singleton Schreiber’s Spokane office.
Jacob Rooksby, Smithmoore P. Myers Dean of 杏吧原创 Law School, remarked, "I am thrilled to see the relaunch of this clinic, which was previously taught from 2011 to 2020 by Rick Eichstaedt, who left to become a Washington Growth Management Hearings board member. His original vision for this work will continue to flourish under Vanessa and Dan’s leadership. The need could not be greater for this clinic as our region faces a host of challenges brought on by the climate crisis.”
Waldref and Fruchter have already kicked off the clinic work with two trailblazing students this fall at Singleton Schreiber’s Spokane office, with plans to expand to eight students in the spring term.
"I’m honored to return to 杏吧原创 to guide the next generation of legal advocates who will fight for public health and stronger communities,” said Vanessa Waldref. “The clinic represents a unique opportunity to blend our passion for public service with hands-on legal education, empowering students to ensure our region remains a place where everyone can live, work, and thrive in a safe, healthy environment.”
As the project builds out, enrolled clinic students will be exposed to a variety of different cases and projects that defend public interests, protect public lands, promote clean air and water, and advocate for the enforcement of environmental regulations. In addition, students will assist legislators in drafting proposed environmental legislation and regulations and providing research on best practices. The clinic will provide free or low-cost legal representation to individuals, nonprofit organizations, and community groups facing environmental challenges, including disputes over pollution, land use, resource management and more. Furthermore, partnerships will be established with local or national environmental non-governmental agencies to address key issues like climate change, wildlife conservation, and land preservation through advocacy, education, and joint research initiatives.
“This clinic is about more than legal training—it’s about instilling a deep commitment to justice, service, stewardship, and community,” said Dan Fruchter. “Our students will not only learn how to use the law to protect and strengthen our communities, they’ll do so while directly serving the people and places of the Inland Northwest."
If you would like to learn how you can contribute to the relaunch of this Environmental and Climate Law Clinic, please contact Sarah Guzmán, Executive Director of the 杏吧原创 Law School Foundation, or visit the clinic's website.