ELJ Editorial Board 2022-23

Laughlin Silvestri, Editor-in-Chief, GGU Spring ’23

Laughlin is a third-year student at Golden Gate University School of Law. She graduated with honors from Saint Mary’s College of California and holds a B.A. in Politics and Communication. Prior to starting law school, Laughlin worked in the impact investing space, empowering individuals to invest with their values, divest from fossil fuels and instead invest in alternatives that will lead us to the next sustainable economy. Outside of academics, she is an advocate for food access and security, is an avid concert goer, and loves to hike and garden.

Miranda Moore, Managing Editor, GGU Spring ’23

Miranda is a third year law student at Golden Gate University School of Law and is the Managing Editor of the Environmental Law Journal. She graduated from the University of Oregon with a double major in Political Science and General Social Science with an emphasis in Business. Miranda is also currently participating in GGU’s Environmental Law and Justice Clinic this semester. Outside of law school, Miranda likes to swim, read, and attend Giants games. 

Nikki Dible, Associate Editor, GGU Spring ’23

Nikki is a third-year student at Golden Gate University School of Law interested in international human rights law. She graduated with honors from Loyola Marymount University where she holds a bachelor’s degree in communication studies with a minor in public relations. She has always been passionate about environmental issues but is fairly new to the environmental law field. Outside of academics, Nikki loves to cook, weightlift, hike and snowboard.

Kelsie Longerbeam, Associate Editor, GGU Spring ’23

Kelsie Longerbeam is a second-year student of the Honors Lawyering Program, interested in environmental law and real estate law. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree magna cum laude from California State University, Long Beach. So far in her law school career, she has earned a Witkin Award in Torts and a CALI Award in Client Representation, while also maintaining a position on the Dean’s List. Over her fall semester, she has been interning at Schinner & Shain LLP, where she is expanding her experience and knowledge of real estate law.  Kelsie has a deep passion for animals, which she is expressing through her writing with the GGU Environmental Law Journal. In her free time, she enjoys riding horses and teaching pilates.

Alejandro Jesus Bottenberg, Staff Writer, GGU Spring ’24

My name is Alejandro Jesus Bottenberg, and I am currently a 2L J.D. Candidate at Golden Gate University School of Law. I am originally from Southern California, and I graduated from my Undergrad at University of California, Santa Cruz with a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Legal Studies. 

Christine Eidt, Staff Writer, GGU Spring ’24

Christine Eidt is a second-year law student interested in practicing environmental law with an emphasis on environmental justice and land management. Christine is a part of the Honors Lawyering Program and is working for the GGU Environmental Law and Justice Clinic this fall semester. Originally from Laguna Beach, California, she completed her undergraduate degree at San Diego State University with a degree in Political Science and minors in Sustainability and Spanish. Outside of her studies, Christine enjoys spending time outdoors and with friends, cooking, and creating new ceramic pieces.

Ashley Faulkner, Staff Writer, GGU Spring ’24

Ashley is a 2L full-time student that is interested in business litigation. She is currently interning at MG&M Law, a civil defense litigation firm, in San Francisco with her legal research and writing professor. Ashley is from the central valley in California and went to California State University, Chico for undergraduate university. Prior to attending GGU, Ashley worked as a paralegal in Sacramento, California for an election litigation firm. In Ashley’s spare time, she enjoys hot yoga, pilates, nature walks, and spending time with loved ones.

Austin Hunter, Staff Writer, GGU Spring ’24

Austin Hunter currently serves on the San Francisco League of Conservation Voters Board (SFLCV). The goal of SFLCV, “is to promote environmental protection through active participation in the San Francisco political system and to enhance the integrity of that political system for all San Franciscans.” Austin has formerly been involved in a variety of community organizations including the Public Utilities Commission Community Advisory Committee, the Eastern Neighborhoods Democratic Club, and as an elected delegate to the California State Democratic Party. 

In his professional capacity Austin works in the responsible and ethical innovation space, helping companies early in the product development process think through a product’s lifecycle to identify and minimize harms while maximizing the ability to responsibly innovate. 

Austin holds a master’s in Public Policy from King’s College of London, a bachelor’s in international relations and political science from San Francisco State University, and an associate degree in social behavioral sciences. He currently attends Golden Gate University of Law where he has been awarded a full-tuition scholarship.

Payton McNamara, Staff Writer, GGU Spring ’24

Payton McNamara is a second-year law student at Golden Gate University School of Law. She graduated from Texas State University with a degree in Psychology and Philosophy. She moved to San Francisco to work at a non-profit consulting firm before starting law school. Payton spent the past summer participating in the 1^st STEP Program, where she explored her passion for litigation and refined her advocacy skills. She understands the importance of sustainability and hopes to become an Environmental Justice Advocate after graduating. In her free time, Payton loves to be in the sun and participate in trivia games with her friends.

Nick Vanos, Staff Writer, GGU Spring ’24

I am a current 2L whose interest in environmental law comes from my love of the outdoors. In my free time, I enjoy snowboarding, surfing, and hiking. My externship placement for the summer of 2022 focused on water law and helping communities implement localized infrastructure to improve water sustainability. Moving forward, I am looking forward to exploring other areas of environmental law as a staff writer for ELJ. As well as participating in the ELJ, I am also serving as president of the Students for Sensible Drug Policy organization, and I am also a member of the Environmental Law Society. My goal is to one day practice law here in the Bay Area dealing with cannabis law or environmental law.

Anastasia Overko, Staff Writer, GGU Spring ’24

My name is Anastasia Overko. I am 2L in the full-time J.D program. I am interested in the Environmental Law Journal because I am interested in environmental policy and regulation, along with environmental justice.