For professionals seeking to deepen their expertise and advance their careers, Lewis & Clark Law School’s online Environmental, Natural Resources & Energy Law programs provide a flexible pathway to develop that knowledge.
In a recent webinar, Assistant Director Tess Jacobsen spoke with two graduates about how the online programs helped them build expertise, expand their professional networks, and pursue meaningful work at the intersection of law, policy, and environmental stewardship.
Turning Environmental Interests Into Career Opportunities
Olivia Smith, who graduated from the online Master of Studies in Law (MSL) program in January 2026, gained legal knowledge relevant to her work without needing to pursue a traditional law degree. With a background in environmental communications, natural resource outreach, and marine science research, she wanted a stronger understanding of the laws and regulations shaping environmental decision-making.
The online MSL offered the flexibility that Olivia was looking for while allowing her to continue working. Today, she works as a Regulatory Compliance Specialist supporting hydropower relicensing and permitting projects in the Pacific Northwest. Her work involves navigating complex federal environmental regulations, coordinating with agencies, scientists, nonprofit organizations, and utilities, and helping guide major infrastructure projects through environmental review processes.
For Kiefer Stenseng, a recent graduate of the online Master of Laws (LLM) program, the degree supported a career transition into environmental and land-use law. After working as a deputy prosecuting attorney, he sought additional environmental law expertise to help support his transition into the field.
“I knew that pursuing an LLM was going to give me more tools and a bit more credibility,” he said. “I really wanted to make that career switch as soon as possible.” Today, he serves as Staff Counsel for the Washington State Senate, where he works on policy and funding initiatives related to climate resilience, water resources, infrastructure, and environmental projects.
Balancing Graduate School With Full-Time Careers
One of the biggest advantages for both Olivia and Kiefer was the flexibility of the online format. While their professional schedules looked very different, both were able to integrate coursework into their routines while continuing to work.
For Kiefer, whose work comes with a demanding legislative schedule, the asynchronous format made it possible to study around periods of intense workload. He typically worked during the day, spent time with his family, and completed readings and assignments in the evenings and on weekends. “There was a lot of flexibility for sure,” he said, and “felt like the work that I put in is what I got out of it.”
Olivia also relied on careful planning and time management. She blocked out specific days for readings, lectures, discussion posts, and assignments while continuing to work full-time. “I structured the week,” she said. “It was a lot of time blocking and a lot of discipline, a little bit of learning just how to be in school again.”
Taking Advantage of Resources
Engaging with faculty and taking advantage of available resources were keys to success in the program. “I would highly recommend joining any office hours that you can and developing your relationships with professors,” Olivia said. “They’re there to help, and they’re some of the smartest, most amazing people that you’ll probably ever meet.”
Kiefer agreed and added that “Lewis & Clark just has so many resources for students. You get full access to the law library and all of its online tools. I used that so much during the program, and everyone was always available to me when I needed them. Some of the real values of the online program are the connections you’re going to get and the opportunities you hear about. Lewis & Clark does a phenomenal job connecting you to those resources.”
Professional Connections and Meeting Goals
Kiefer actually earned his current role thanks to the connections he made in the program, and he also used the program to write several law review articles, one of which he is currently pursuing publication of. “There are a lot of opportunities to pursue your own interests and goals,” he says.
“One of the top reasons I wanted to do the program through Lewis & Clark was because of the network that you get to join,” Olivia affirmed. “It’s some of the top environmental professionals nationally, and even internationally. It’s been amazing.”
Watch the webinar recording to hear more about their experiences and learn how the online MSL and LLM programs can support your professional goals in environmental, natural resources, and energy law.