Conservation Law Center hosted second-year Harvard Law School student Kathryn Buehler as a Legal Intern during Winter Term in January 2026. Buehler performed important research and produced a draft complaint for a potential upcoming case.
Originally from Indianapolis, Buehler earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in International/Global Studies and Spanish Linguistics at Indiana University Bloomington. Then, she worked as an elementary teacher in New York City for several years. This experience fortified her love for working in an environment that fosters teamwork and curiosity.
“I loved the intellectual challenge of being a teacher—working with kids and the community. I was constantly learning,” said Buehler.
Thinking about her next career moves, Buehler realized that her favorite undergraduate classes were those at Maurer School of Law; and she decided it was time to begin her journey as a law student.
“[At Maurer], I loved that we could have deep conversations and think about how the concepts applied to the communities around us,” reflected Buehler.
Students in Harvard’s law program are encouraged to seek externships and hands-on experiences outside of the classroom to supplement their studies. Buehler jumped at the opportunity to return home and apply her newfound legal knowledge in the Midwest. CLC’s dual focus on conservation law and education for up-and-coming lawyers was a perfect fit for her interests.
“I was really excited to be back in the Midwest and learn about specific environmental issues here,” said Buehler. “The environmental work I’d previously done in law school was East Coast-focused; and I really enjoyed focusing on New York City issues and seeing firsthand how those efforts manifested in my students’ health. But I also wanted to see what environmental work looks like closer to home.”
During her brief yet productive time with CLC, Buehler said she greatly enjoyed working in a nonprofit environment for the first time, as well as improving her legal research and writing skills. Her assignments helped hone her ability to strategically organize facts and write about environmental science concepts in a way that’s accessible to the intended audience.
One of the most important lessons Buehler learned was what active listening and community-building looks like in practice.
“We’re doing this environmental work for the community. So, we must know: How does the community define their relationship with their home? What does environmental protection look like for them? It’s important to actively listen and understand the community’s values so that we can communicate through those shared values.”
Looking ahead, Buehler is feeling excited and energized to continue exploring environmental law—especially in the Midwest. In her free time, Buehler loves to hike, run, and sing in choir. Some of her favorite Indiana green spaces include Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis and Charles C. Deam Wilderness Area.
