Law student wins big scholarship

06/27/2008

Law student wins big scholarship

Brian Barner
3L Brian Barner
     Brian Barner, a student at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, has received a $15,000 RMMLF Scholarship from the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation in Colorado.
     Barner, who will be a third-year law student this fall, was among five recipients of the foundation’s annual scholarships and also will attend its Institute, July 17-19 in Snowmass, Colo.
     “The selections were especially difficult for the committee members because of the large number of very talented and deserving applicants,” said David P. Phillips, the foundation’s executive director.
     Barner, a 26-year-old Eagle Scout who has spent considerable time working in and enjoying the outdoors, said he was delighted to receive the scholarship.
     “It’s a great benefit to students and will be useful for helping create more lawyers in the area of natural resources law,” he said.
     Barner’s award was based on an essay he wrote, part of which is summarized here:
     “As a youth in Arizona, I participated in Boy Scouts and went on hiking trips in the deserts, canyons, and mountains of the American West. In high school, I became an officer of the Science and Environmental Awareness Club, in which I participated in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Science Bowl, helped re-vegetate nature trails at the Grand Canyon, learned marine science and snorkeling at Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI), rafted the Colorado river through Glen Canyon, and visited the solar telescope at Kitt Peak, Ariz.
     “When I was 17 years old, I also spent three weeks at CIMI learning to SCUBA dive, sail, windsurf, and basic marine biology. Thus, from my youth, I had an interest in science and the environment.
     “In college, I decided to increase my academic understanding of natural resources through taking courses in biology, chemistry, physics, calculus, ecology, marine biology, oceanography and environmental politics. After graduating from Georgetown University, I worked in the environmental litigation department at the Washington, DC, office of Latham & Watkins.
     “In law school, I have taken water law and land law of Southeast Asia. I plan to continue learning about natural resources law through taking courses in natural resources law, environmental law and administrative law. This summer, I am a summer associate with the law firm of Gallagher & Kennedy, working primarily in the natural resources, land use, and environmental law areas. I am excited to work for clients in the mining, utility, and manufacturing sectors.”
     Professor Michael Berch said Barner has distinguished himself as a law student.
     “He’s sincere, he works hard, he has a spiritual side to him, and he’s just a wonderful, devout, caring person,” Berch said.
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