Megan Ortiz

You have an avid interest in environmental law work. Tell our readers about some of the great experience you've gained in the field.

That is true! In the last (almost) two years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with the Conservation Lands Foundation in southwest Colorado, a non-profit focused on protection of public lands following the legal guidelines of the Antiquities Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act. I also assisted former Deputy Solicitor of the Department of the Interior and Professor Bret Birdsong on a Nevada Supreme Court amicus brief concerning water rights in the Walker River Basin. It’s a field that I am very passionate about and that is often overlooked, and I’m looking forward to working in more water related law this summer!

How goes your legislative externship in beautiful Carson City?  

A: Quite a snowy start, but nothing I’m not used to as a native northern Nevadan. It’s as hectic as it is incredibly enriching, especially with a new governor and attorney general. I’m proud to be here and represent the ACLU of Nevada. Keep an eye on the session, folks! Lots of exciting pieces of legislation up this session.

You are the president of the Public interest Law Association, and the annual PILA fundraising auction is imminent. Give us some hype!  

We have some great big ticket items that I know everyone will love (think VGK!), some incredible award recipients (shout out to Gov. Brian Sandoval!), and the return of the wine bottle ring toss! Land the ring and keep the bottle…for a buy in, of course—this IS a scholarship fundraiser, after all! Buy your tickets here!

Dogs or cats?

No contest—dogs!