Student helps pass a bill unanimously in Oregon

Emily Grimmius JD’24 helps pass Restraining Orders Without Borders’ Survivor Protection Act

When Emily Grimmius JD’24 was in the fourth grade, she knew one day she would go to law school. A voracious reader, she found herself reading stories about presidents and being in awe of their importance and impact. To her knowledge, many of them had one thing in common — they went to law school. If Grimmius wanted to one day become an elected official and fight injustice, then first she would need to go to law school.

After earning her undergraduate degree, Grimmius started a career and then enrolled at Willamette Law because it was directly across the street from the Oregon State Capitol.

I wanted to be where laws are made.

- Emily Grimmius JD’24

When she heard about the work being done by Restraining Orders Without Borders, she felt called to get involved and sent a message to offer help. A year later, the organization’s founder called her directly, asking her to lead their advocacy efforts. At the time, the organization was working to pass the Restraining Orders Without Borders’ Survivor Protection Act, and Grimmius’ legal knowledge made her the perfect choice to be the Oregon policy director.

The legislation expands the opportunities for victims to obtain restraining orders in the county in which the abuse occurred, working to ensure that all abuse victims are protected.

The path to change

Grimmius spent time visiting offices and scheduling meetings with legislators to garner support. While the bill initially did not have bipartisan support, Grimmius focused her efforts on drafting the arguments for the bill in order to earn it. Her efforts paid off.

It is almost unheard of in Oregon, and many other states, for a bill to receive unanimous, bipartisan support.

- Emily Grimmius JD’24

Throughout the process, Willamette Law faculty supported Grimmius and her dedication. When Grimmius first heard the bill passed unanimously, she was in disbelief.

There aren’t any words for how exactly I feel and what this accomplishment means for both me personally,” she reflects, “but more importantly, for the many victims this will help.

- Emily Grimmius JD’24

Grimmius spent her final semester of law school participating in an immersion externship with Senator Lisa Murkowski JD’85. The time spent working with the U.S. Congress allowed her to expand upon her knowledge of federal law. After finishing her final year of law school, she says that these experiences have “made me realize that I am capable of even more than I thought.”

She plans to continue working directly with victims and people who are in need, hoping to make change both for individuals and for the country at large.