Zachary Pedrazzi

With an Immigration Law background, Zach has unique understanding of the extremely human side of the law-a side he feels is often overlooked. His compassion, relationships with members of the court, and skillset as a strong trial attorney and effective negotiator makes him an effective professional. Further, his previous work experiences as a public defender taught Zach to be unflappable in a courtroom. Outside of his work with clients, Zach loves to spend time with his family of 3. Zach is also an urban farmer, loves being outside, enjoys reading, and watching movies. He has also admitted that the NBA is his favorite soap opera.

Zach grew up in Sebastopol, California, a small town near the coast. His parents were both public school teachers, and he appreciates that they are also very funny and ethical individuals. Similar to his parents, Zach strives to carry himself accordingly. He prides himself as the one who takes care of and protects his clients. He also sees a good attorney as someone who is making a meaningful difference-not only the lives of their clients, but also their communities. This is all while participating in a critical conversation with broader reaching values like access to equal justice, civic responsibility, and accountability.

Zach is a proud graduate from the University of Oregon, and he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 2003. He returned to Lewis & Clark law school, and eventually earned a prestigious award due to his extraordinary community service before graduating in 2013. From May 2010 through October 2011, Zach clerked for the Rose City Defense Consortium in Portland, Oregon. His career in public defense would continue for another six years after earning a license to practice law in both Oregon, and in Washington. Public defense work taught Zach to be unflappable in the face of a constantly changing work environment, and how to earn the trust of clients, prosecutors, judges, and court staff, without compromising his duty to fiercely advocate for the needs of those he represents. He believes strongly in the "justice" part of criminal justice, and he is at my best when his responsibilities are demanding and varied.

Additionally, as the former chair for the Environmental Justice Advocates law school group, Zach spent the last three years connecting law students to under-served communities and the local organizations that represent them. In particular, he volunteered with OPAL, a Portland-based environmental justice organization.