Legal fellows agree that Alaska’s where it’s at for environmental law

Trustees for Alaska’s legal fellowships allow lawyers new to environmental law to expand their knowledge and skills by working alongside Trustees’ legal teams for two years. We’re accepting applications for a legal fellowship starting in September 2024 in our Anchorage office. Find out more about Trustees’ fellowships and other jobs and opportunities to learn more.

 We asked our current fellows to tell their stories and share their experiences. Here’s what they said.

Skiing in Anchorage. By Lydia Heye

Lydia Heye on asking questions and being yourself

What did you expect when you applied for the fellowship, and how did that align with your experience so far? What has challenged you and what has surprised you by the experience?

I was told by some to be wary of going to a small organization immediately after law school because they would have low capacity to mentor and train me as a new attorney. I’m so glad I ignored that piece of advice! Trustees has provided such a great and supportive environment for me to grow as a new attorney. I’ve been surprised by how willing everyone in the office is to provide me with assistance and mentorship as I continue to grow in this role.

I have also been so impressed by the expertise and caliber of this team! Trustees has an incredibly talented and knowledgeable team of attorneys working on cases gaining traction nationally. As a fellow, it has been exciting getting to work on some of these cases, such as Willow, by writing research memos, drafting briefs, and interacting with clients.

What do you think the fellowship has taught you about yourself? About environmental law? How has it prepared you for what’s next?

This fellowship has been a formative experience for me both professionally and personally. I’ve certainly grown in my understanding of the law, substantively, but also in my understanding of the role that the law plays in addressing issues such as environmental injustice and climate change.

This fellowship has also taught me the importance of working as a team. I am always impressed when the attorneys rally together to get briefs or com

Mountains, blue skies, moon on the Kenai Peninsula, March 2023. Photo by Lydia Heye

ments done and polished on tight deadlines.

During this fellowship, I have strengthened my research and writing skills and have gotten the opportunity to have direct client interactions. I strongly believe that this fellowship has prepared me to continue my career as an environmental attorney.

What advice would you give to an incoming fellow? What essential things should applicants know about Trustees and Alaska?

I would recommend coming in with an open mind and an attitude to learn! The fellowship will teach you so much about practicing environmental law that they don’t tell you about in law school. Also, environmental issues in Alaska are unique, and there are certain Alaska-specific statutes, such as Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) that Trustees uses in many of its cases.

I would also recommend familiarizing yourself with environmental issues in Alaska broadly before starting the fellowship. Many of the issues that Trustees works on have been ongoing for years (if not decades). So, give yourself a head start by getting the basics down before delving into the issues. (The attorneys will also give you time to review the issues too, so don’t worry!)

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes! It happens, and the fellowship is built to be a learning experience for new attorneys. So, cut yourself some slack. The attorneys and supervisors are also there to help you succeed, so use them as a resource.

Lastly, be yourself! Everyone at Trustees is very friendly and welcoming (including all the office pups). If you’re new to Alaska, folks will be quick to give you recommendations on where to go or eat — if they don’t take you there themselves! The team is incredibly supportive and regularly checks in with one another.

Geoff Toy on asking questions and surviving an Alaska winter

What did you expect when you applied for the fellowship, and how did that align with your experience so far?

Coming from another fellowship, I had a pretty good idea what to expect from Trustees. My experience with Trustees so far has been great, and in some ways has surpassed my expectations. Attorneys here are willing to take as much time as possible to work with you on developing your legal skills.

An aurora sighting 2023. Photo by Geoff Toy

What has challenged you and what has surprised you by the experience?

After graduating from law school and three years in another environmental law fellowship, I thought I had a pretty good handle on the law I’d be applying in my fellowship with Trustees. I learned pretty fast – on the first day, actually – that Alaska is unique, and has its own landscape of environmental laws that I was totally unfamiliar with. Fortunately, Trustees’ onboarding helped me to hit the ground running as I got a grip on the new legal landscape.

What do you think the fellowship has taught you about yourself? About environmental law? How has it prepared you for what’s next?

The fellowship has taught me a lot about Alaska-specific laws and issues, and about using the law to advocate for solutions to environmental issues. Personally, I can see a lot of professional growth over the course of my fellowship so far, and look forward to continuing to develop my litigation skills over the rest of my fellowship. I don’t know what’s coming next yet, but I know I will be better prepared for it because of what I’ve learned here.

Geoff digging the snow in 2023. Selfie by Geoff Toy

What advice would you give to an incoming fellow?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You’ll be working on big, complex, long-running issues, and applying laws you may not have learned about before. It’ll feel overwhelming sometimes, but the team here is great and has your back.

If you’re thinking that you couldn’t possibly survive a winter in Alaska, take it from me – I’m from Georgia, and if I can do it, you can too! Winter here has its own magic, and you’ll enjoy it more than you might think.

What essential things should applicants know about Trustees and Alaska?

No matter what issue interests you in environmental law, it’s happening in Alaska.

This is a good place to work. Trustees has put a lot of effort into designing a fellowship program that will make you feel like part of the team, and help you to grow into a better attorney.