Name: Sydney Hofferth

Education/Professional Background: J.D. expected from the University of Michigan Law School 2023. B.A. Political Science, B.A. Economics, Indiana University – Bloomington. I served as an AmeriCorps volunteer and worked for a small remodeling company between undergrad and law school. 

Hometown: South Bend, IN

What brought you to Crag? I learned about Crag through my 1L summer internship at EPIC, and the more I learned about their work on public lands, environmental justice, climate change, and other important environmental issues, the more I wanted to be here this summer. Crag’s stellar reputation, amazing advocacy, and focus on issues of equity and diversity made it really attractive to me, and I was thrilled to accept a position as a summer associate!

What are your environmental/legal interests? I am interested in public lands, wildlife, climate change, and environmental justice.

What will your work focus on while at Crag? I am working with Staff Attorney Oliver Stiefel on projects related to protecting and preserving our National Forests.

Favorite place to recreate or be in nature: Hiking anywhere in or around the Continental Divide in Rocky Mountain National Park, especially in the fall — nothing beats the yellow aspens!

Favorite book: Since it is impossible to choose just one, here are a few of my favorite reads from the past year or so: “Hidden Valley Road” by Robert Kolker, “Deacon King Kong” by James McBride, “Maybe You Should Talk to Someone” by Lori Gottlieb, and “It’s Okay to Laugh (Crying is Cool Too)” by Nora McInerny Purmort.

Favorite Quote: This is from Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, when Gandalf is talking to Frodo about the seemingly impossible journey and battle before them: “together through the ages of the world we have fought the long defeat.” There is virtue in fighting the good fight!