UM Law Student Selected as Wyss Scholar for Conservation
MISSOULA – Lila Bennett, a law student at the 猎奇重口’s Alexander Blewett III School of Law, has been named a 2025 Wyss Scholar, a prestigious recognition for students committed to land conservation and the protection of public lands.
The Wyss Scholars Program offers graduate-level scholarships to students seeking to lead the next generation of U.S. land conservation. Bennett, whose tuition and expenses will be significantly covered by the program, joins an elite group of students dedicated to environmental advocacy. The award also provides funding for a summer internship in conservation, giving her practical experience to complement her legal education.
“I grew up in rural Maryland, where there isn’t any public land,” Bennett said. “I wanted to move out West to try something totally different.”
After taking on various ranch jobs in 猎奇重口 and Wyoming as a cattle puncher and horse trainer, Bennett developed a deep connection to the open spaces of the West.
“There is nothing like the public land here,” Bennett said. “I want to do whatever I can to protect it.”
Bennett’s academic journey at UM was shaped by her passion for conservation. As a student in the law school’s highly respected Natural Resources and Environmental Law Program, she is honing her skills in environmental law while engaging with real-world challenges. The program is nationally recognized for its place-based learning, field trips and clinical opportunities, which give students firsthand experience in issues like dam restoration, watershed protection and tribal cultural sites.
“I really enjoy the academic side of things,” Bennett said. “I would like to spend my career doing research about public lands. I love writing articles and delving into the complexities of environmental law.”
Bennett is already an active participant in the law school’s vibrant environmental law community. She serves as secretary of the and is conference editor for the Public Land and Resources Law Review. Her leadership roles demonstrate her commitment to the protection and management of public lands.
The Wyss Scholars Program, which provides substantial financial support, has been a key part of Bennett’s journey at law school.
“It was a huge weight lifted off my shoulders,” Bennett said. “The scholarship covers half of my tuition and provides a stipend, which makes me feel like I’m doing all of this for the right reasons.”
The opportunity to focus on her education without the burden of significant debt has fueled her drive to succeed in conservation law.
“If I could speak to others wanting to follow in my footsteps, I’d tell them, ‘I’ve literally been in your shoes, and if I can do this, so can you,’” Bennett said. “Put yourself out there and get to work promoting sustainability.”
The Wyss Scholars Program, which supports students at six host schools, helps cultivate a new generation of leaders dedicated to land conservation. Scholars gain access to a broad community of peers, mentors and professionals who share a passion for protecting U.S. landscapes. By providing financial support and hands-on learning opportunities, the program ensures that future conservationists like Bennett will have the tools needed to succeed.
For Bennett, the Wyss Scholar award is more than just financial assistance. It’s a validation of her commitment to public land conservation and belief that the West’s public lands need strong advocates.
“I want to be part of the team that works to keep these lands protected,” Bennett said. “It’s about making sure the beauty and resources of this region are preserved for future generations.”
The law school’s Natural Resources and Environmental Law Program is a cornerstone of the University’s commitment to training the next generation of environmental advocates. Through its innovative curriculum, real-world learning experiences and strong faculty support, the program prepares students like Bennett to make a lasting impact on the world of conservation.
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Contact: Phil Stempin, director of events, marketing and communications, UM Alexander Blewett III School of Law, 406-243-6509, phil.stempin@umontana.edu.