Ellen McKean (she/her) is a lifelong Oregonian who completed her undergraduate coursework in political science and Spanish at the University of Oregon, and is now a second-year student at Oregon Law. Ellen is pursuing a career in public serve with a focus on increasing access to justice for low-income and other underserved communities. Before coming to law school, Ellen held a variety of positions in the legal field and as a campaign field worker, and she came to law school to specialize in public law and policy work. During the summer of 2021, Ellen clerked for Legal Aid Services of Oregon and she also serves as a board member on the Springfield Eugene Tenant Association. Additionally, during her second year, she worked at the law school’s Domestic Violence Clinic. In these roles, she has learned about the challenges that face renters, consumers, students, young families, and people experiencing poverty. Ellen is excited to work on related policy issues with Congresswoman Bonamici and her team. Ellen also serves as an editor on Oregon Law Review and as the Volunteer and Grant Coordinator for the Oregon Law Students Public Interest Fund. She believes lawyers have a special responsibility to work to improve their communities, and she is passionate about serving the public in her career.