Paddison’s five years as a white-water raft guide on Class-II to Class-V river
trips in Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Colorado have provided critical experience.
Class-V rapids present big waves, big drops, powerful hydraulics, and major obstacles.
(Class VI rapids are unnavigable.) Says Paddison, “Whether navigating the intricate
nuances of law school or venturing into the rugged terrains of outdoor exploration,
I have embraced the challenge of pushing boundaries.” (Left photo: Elijah Chilton)
A Class-V kayaker and top law student from Louisiana and Colorado is the 2024-25 College
of Law Salt Creek Scholar. Ethan Paddison says his passion lies at the intersection
of law, energy, and environmental stewardship.
The Salt Creek Energy Excellence Scholarship, named for the oldest producing oil and
gas field in Wyoming, was established to encourage students such as Paddison who demonstrate
a strong interest in energy and law.
As part of the program, Salt Creek Energy Excellence scholars are introduced into
a professional community of donors and practitioners. The purpose is to facilitate
employment and mentorship opportunities for students planning to enter the field of
energy and natural resources law. See all the Salt Creek Scholars HERE.
Paddison earned a B.A. degree in law, diversity, and justice at Western Washington
University in Bellingham, Washington, before entering the College of Law in 2022.
In 2023, he completed internships with the Honorable Reginald T. Badeaux, III, of
the 22nd Judicial District Court of Louisiana, Division I, and the Honorable John
J. “Johnny” Lee, Jr. of the First Parish Court for the Parish of Jefferson, Division
B.
This summer, he is completing an eight-week judicial internship with the United States
District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana with the Honorable Lance M. Africk
in New Orleans.
As he approaches his final year at the College of Law, Paddison says he’s enthusiastic
about taking advanced courses such as Oil and Gas Law and Advanced Water Law. He says
he values all he’s learned in his previous energy, environmental and natural resources
(EENR) law courses, including Water Law, Environmental Law, and Administrative Law.
Reflecting on these subjects, he says, “I am broadening my understanding of legal
frameworks governing these crucial sectors.”
Paddison has been selected to participate in the Energy, Environmental, and Natural
Resources Law Clinic, where students gain first-hand experience working with attorneys
from the Water and Natural Resources Division of the Wyoming Attorney General’s Office
on cases involving the state, state agencies, or state officials.
In addition, he is the 2024-2025 research editor for the Wyoming Law Review.
“By actively engaging with advanced coursework and practical experiences, I aim not
only to deepen my expertise but also prepare for the complex legal issues that lie
ahead in EENR practice,” he says. Advocacy, policy analysis, regulatory compliance,
and litigation are among the ways he envisions engaging in the field. “I hope to contribute
to the collective efforts aimed at fostering a more sustainable and equitable future
for generations to come.”
