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Elaine Albrich was a project assistant and cost recovery coordinator on environmental clean-up projects for the Port of Portland when she decided to become an attorney.

鈥淚 had the opportunity to work with a multidisciplinary group at the port and I liked what the lawyers did, so I went to law school,鈥� she said.

She earned her law degree from the University of Oregon in 2005, where she was editor in chief of the Journal of Environmental Law and Litigation. Albrich clerked for Lane County Circuit Court Judge Karsten Rasmussen and the U.S. Department of Justice鈥檚 Environmental and Natural Resource Division.

Now an associate with Stoel Rives, Albrich provides permitting and regulatory guidance for energy facility developers, urban and rural land-use projects, and wineries and alcohol beverage activities. Once permits are approved, Albrich helps clients with compliance issues, reporting obligations and enforcement actions.

Over the past year, she has worked with clients seeking approvals from the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council and participated in county code amendment processes advocating for balanced renewable energy development standards. She also has helped clients obtain licenses from the Oregon Liquor Control Commission for winery, distillery and full-on premises operations.

Albrich is a regular contributor to the Alcohol Beverage Law Blog and is a member of the Pink Boots Society, which strives to empower women in the beer industry to advance their careers through education.

Wally Van Valkenburg, managing partner of Stoel Rives鈥� Portland office, noted that Albrich鈥檚 expertise in permitting and land-use issues complement her work as board chair of Proud Ground, a community land trust focused on affordable housing in the tri-county area. Albrich also is a board member for Women in Environment, a member of Women of Wind Energy鈥檚 local chapter and a participant in legal aid clinics.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I would be more organized and more efficient with my time.

What famous person would you most like to have a drink or dinner with?

Hillary Clinton. I鈥檝e been following her for a long time and she鈥檚 been an inspiration. I would love to sit down with her and hear about her experiences.

What is your idea of a perfect day?

Waking up and immediately having coffee, going out to the horse barn on a sunny Saturday morning, having lunch with friends and working in my yard.

What is your most treasured possession?

My iPhone. That sounds terrible, but there鈥檚 a joke that goes along with it.

Tell us something about yourself that might surprise most people.

I grew up riding hunter jumper horses, and when I started practicing law I needed a hobby so I started leasing horses to ride. I鈥檓 a member of the Oregon Hunter Jumper Association.