Alexandra Anderson’s first steps toward law began amidst the nature of northwest New Jersey, where she spent countless childhood hours exploring the woods and riverfront.
“By middle school, I realized one of the biggest ways to protect the environment was to go into law,” she said.
After earning her undergraduate degree in environmental science with a minor in public policy, Anderson headed to University of Wisconsin Law School. Last summer, the now-3L got an up-close glimpse of environmental policy in action as a legal intern in the Natural Resources and Environment Branch of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in Washington, D.C.
The branch of OIRA, which is part of the Office of Management and Budget in the Executive Office of the President, reviews natural resources, energy and environmental regulations. Anderson had been intrigued by OIRA even before spotting the internship opening.
“When I saw that they had an internship in the Natural Resources and Environment Branch, it seemed perfect for me,” she said.
The summer experience enhanced her understanding of environmental torts and administrative law, building on what she learned from Professor Steph Tai in the classroom. Tai previously worked as an appellate attorney in the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.
“Professor Tai’s expertise gave me a great basis,” Anderson said. “In my Administrative Law course, we talked a lot about the whole process of rulemaking and the different authorities that people have. And I got to see all of that in action during my internship, which I really appreciate. It was also exciting being at the heart of rulemaking during a shift in SCOTUS’s administrative law doctrine this past summer.”
When Anderson wasn’t sifting through regulations and legal background, she explored the nation’s capital, from a private tour of the National Archives to a trip to the Truman Bowling Alley in the White House complex.
“The generosity of these alumni-supported scholarships has been instrumental. I wouldn’t have been able to work in D.C. otherwise, so I’m very grateful.” – Alexandra Anderson 3L
Anderson felt prepared for her summer internship thanks in part to the externships she completed through the Government and Legislative Clinic at UW Law. Last year, she partnered with the UW Milwaukee Center for Water Policy working on wind farms and offshore energy, and then she worked with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
After graduation, Anderson hopes to work in environmental policy for state or federal government. She’s grateful for the opportunities that have put her closer to achieving that dream, and for the alumni-supported scholarships that have made it possible. Last summer, she was supported by the Law School’s Summer Public Service Fellowship fund, which is awarded to students in unpaid public service internships.
“The generosity of these alumni-supported scholarships has been instrumental,” she said. “I wouldn’t have been able to work in D.C. otherwise, so I’m very grateful.”
By Nicole Sweeney Etter