Clara Potter

Clara Potter is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Tulane Environmental Law Clinic, Tulane University Law School. She specializes in environmental justice, civil rights litigation, and economic equity advocacy. Previously, she served as a Staff Attorney and Law Fellow at the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Economic Justice Project, focusing on systemic issues like extractive bail practices, predatory debt collection, and policies criminalizing homelessness.

Educational Background:

• J.D., New York University School of Law (2018)
• B.A. in Philosophy and German (cum laude), Columbia University (2012)

Her research and practice address intersectional environmental and socioeconomic challenges, including discriminatory land use approvals, climate resilience for marginalized communities, and equitable disaster relief distribution. She has contributed to litigation and policy advocacy on issues like tax equity and criminalization of poverty.

Awards:

• Deutscher Verein Prize for Excellence in German Writing (Columbia University)
• German Departmental Honors (Columbia University)

Her professional trajectory includes supervising students in high-stakes environmental litigation and collaborating with community organizations to advance equity. She is licensed in Louisiana and actively engaged in policy reform initiatives.