Mallory M.

About Mallory M.

I love to be outside. Especially when accompanied with a book and coffee, or on an adventure mountain biking.In law school, I spent both summers getting experience as a legal intern with the Kootenai County Public Defenders’ Office (now Idaho State Public Defender). I spent my 3L as a student attorney in Tribal law clinic. Both experiences were formative and built upon my decade as a high school biology teacher. I’d love to discuss that further in an interview.Post-J.D, I am actively pursuing job opportunities in Tribal law. My experience as a research technician in the Zehr lab, during undergrad, allows me to bring a creative understanding of microbial ecology to environmental law. As a Tribal lawyer I will uphold Tribal sovereignty established through the signing of Treaties and Indigenous practices on Native Land. A return to Indigenous practices is required for Earth to equilibrate from centuries of careless extraction. For example, Indigenous burning practices by the Yurok, Karuk, and Hoopa Tribes have provided sustainable wildland fire protection across California. Additionally, studies show that when Tribal members reconnect with Indigenous practice, through ceremony and environment, intense healing happens (a fact I learned in credit to two researchers who spoke at the webinar “Decolonization: Asking the Uncomfortable, Unlearning the Familiar,” hosted by John’s Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health). Wherever I land, I will use the law to promote the health of Tribal communities, alongside and in collaboration with my partners.

Experience

1. Guest Teacher

   North Monterey County Unified School District

   Oct 2025 — Present

   While awaiting bar results, I have returned to the classroom as a Guest Teacher, where I utilize my skills to create an engaging learning atmosphere for students to complete assignments. With skills acquired over ten years of classroom teaching, I adapt lessons to cater to various student learning styles; this ensures all students have the opportunity to succeed while their teacher is away. My experiences as a public defender, and with CASA/GAL, reinforce my commitment to education, effective communication, and public service.

Education

• University of California, Santa Cruz

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Microbiology, General

• Cabrillo College

  Emergency Medical Technician , Emergency Care Attendant (EMT Ambulance)

• University of California, Santa Cruz

  Master of Arts - MA, Education

• University of Idaho College of Law

  Doctor of Law - JD