Growing the Next Generation of Disability Legal Advocates
Summer 2026 law clerks, from left: Ave Myhre, Alia Hardy, Brikel Weeks, Monique Griffin, and Rose Fisher. Not pictured: Aoefe Coghlan.
Every summer, Disability Rights Oregon (DRO) is lucky to welcome a new group of law clerks who bring energy, curiosity, and a genuine commitment to disability rights into our work. This year was no exception, and we're proud to share what they accomplished — and grateful for the chance to help grow the next generation of disability legal advocates.
Alia Hardy (Lewis & Clark College) & Ave Myhre (Willamette University)
Alia and Ave both supported the Mental Health Rights Project this summer. They focused on prison monitoring and civil commitment work, connected directly with clients by phone, and helped draft ADA and other legal complaints. They also shadowed the team by attending depositions and federal court settlement conferences, getting hands-on exposure to litigation at every stage.
Aoefe Coghlan (University College Dublin)
Aoefe has been busy creating a comprehensive overview of our work for the Developmental Disabilities Rights Program. We are also excited about the new guide for legislators she produced. It’s designed to provide self-advocates with an accessible space and process to make sure their opinions are considered by elected leaders.
Brikel Weeks (Willamette University)
Brikel spent her time at DRO ensuring that people facing guardianship know their rights and are prepared to defend them. She completed a much-needed update to our Guardianship for Adults Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), helped prepare a client for trial, and drafted multiple legal research memos for busy staff.
Monique Griffin (Lewis & Clark College)
Monique supported two teams this summer. For the Crime Survivor Project, she researched victim rights issues — including the right to privacy — and wrote a stalking-protection-order brief. She also attended client meetings and court, and kept intake running smoothly. For the Children’s Rights Project, Monique researched educational residential placements and assisted with several training sessions.
Rose Fisher (Lewis & Clark College)
Rose tackled a major update to our Know Your Rights guide about the Developmental Disability Eligibility Appeal Process — no small task, given its length — and drafted a brand-new Oregon Needs Assessment guide from scratch (stay tuned). Rose also created and presented a confidentiality training for new staff, conducted intake interviews, and joined our Medicaid policy discussions.
Thank you, Alia, Ave, Aoefe, Brikel, Monique, and Rose for everything you brought to our organization this summer. We can't wait to see where your commitment to disability rights takes you next!
