Celebrating 20 Years and a New Beginning: Tara Lomacz Begins Her Law School Journey

A Milestone Worth Celebrating

This month marks a major milestone for Tara Lomacz (née Tara Jackson). She is celebrating 20 years with Schroeder Law Offices, PC. Tara began her career as an administrative assistant and grew into the role of senior paralegal. Now, she is taking a bold step forward—starting law school.

A Dream Years in the Making

Tara has spent nearly two years preparing for this moment. She recently enrolled in Vermont Law and Graduate School’s Hybrid JD program. This ABA-accredited program allows her to continue working half-time at Schroeder Law Offices while attending classes and completing coursework in the afternoons and evenings.

The program blends online learning with short in-person residencies. It’s designed for professionals who want to earn a law degree without leaving their careers or communities.

Rooted in Justice and Fairness

Tara’s journey toward law school began long before her application. Even as a child, she had a strong sense of fairness. She was known for insisting on equal treatment among her siblings. That passion led her to mock trial in high school and political theory in college.

After graduating from Willamette University, Tara followed her father’s advice and joined a law office to see if legal practice was the right fit. It was. Her work at Schroeder Law Offices confirmed her calling.

A Deep Connection to Agriculture and Water Law

At Schroeder, Tara discovered a new world—agriculture and rural water rights. She learned about the challenges faced by farmers and small communities. Over time, she became deeply involved in organizations like Oregon Women for Agriculture and the Oregon Groundwater Association.

Her work has included securing water rights for farms, helping communities navigate infrastructure issues, and supporting legal efforts that protect access to natural resources.

Balancing Work, School, and Family

Transitioning to part-time work is bittersweet for Tara. Her identity is closely tied to her role at Schroeder Law Offices. Stepping back is difficult, but necessary.

She is also a mother to a vibrant three-year-old daughter. Motherhood has taught her the importance of boundaries and balance. Law school will challenge her to protect her time and energy—for her studies, her family, and herself.

A Lesson for Her Daughter

Tara’s decision to pursue law school is inspired by her daughter. She wants to show that growth and change are always possible. Her goal is to model resilience and lifelong learning.

She hopes her journey from paralegal to attorney will teach her daughter that it’s never too late to chase a dream.

Support from Schroeder Law Offices

Tara is grateful for the support she’s received from Schroeder Law Offices. The firm is providing financial assistance and continued encouragement. She plans to return as an attorney after completing her degree.

Her legal education will strengthen her ability to serve the firm’s clients and expand her impact in water and agricultural law.

Looking Ahead

Vermont Law and Graduate School offers specializations in water resources and food and agricultural law. These areas align perfectly with Tara’s experience and passion.

She believes that access to legal representation is vital for preserving rural communities. As an attorney, she plans to continue offering affordable, specialized legal services to those who need them most.

A New Chapter Begins

Tara Lomacz’s story is one of growth, purpose, and courage. As she begins law school, she carries with her the lessons of the past 20 years and the excitement of what lies ahead.

Her journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to evolve, learn, and pursue a dream.

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Schroeder Law Offices proudly announces the promotion of Caitlin Skulan to Partner—a milestone that marks her six years of exceptional dedication, legal acumen, and leadership in the field of water law. Caitlin’s journey from a passionate law school graduate to a respected attorney and now Partner is a testament to her unwavering commitment to the firm’s mission and the communities it serves.

A Foundation Rooted in Water and Rural Life

Caitlin’s story begins in Northern Wisconsin, where she grew up on the shores of Lake Superior in a community deeply connected to agriculture and natural resources. Her early experiences on her family’s small farm and in the surrounding rural landscape instilled a lifelong appreciation for water and the people who depend on it. This passion led her to Northland College, where in 2016 she earned a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Science, graduating cum laude and receiving multiple scholarships for her academic excellence and environmental leadership.

Her undergraduate studies focused heavily on water sciences—hydrology, limnology, ichthyology, and wetland ecosystems—laying the groundwork for a career that would bridge science, law, and advocacy.

A Legal Career Built on Purpose

After moving to Oregon to attend law school at Northwestern School of Law at Lewis & Clark College, Caitlin Skulan began her legal journey by engaging with water quality issues in agricultural contexts. She worked with the Washington Farm Bureau Attorneys and later at The Freshwater Trust in Portland, where she helped secure funding for cooperative agricultural water conservation projects. These efforts aimed to modernize irrigation systems, improve water use efficiency, and enhance fish habitats—all while minimizing costs for farmers.

In 2019, Caitlin earned her Juris Doctorate and Certificate in Natural Resource and Environmental Law from the Northwestern School of Law at Lewis & Clark College. Her academic achievements included leadership roles in the Student Bar Association and the Public Interest Law Project, as well as recognition through the Dean’s Scholarship and the DuBoff Jones Endowed Scholarship.

Joining Schroeder Law Offices

Caitlin Skulan joined Schroeder Law Offices in August 2019, immediately bringing her expertise and enthusiasm to the Reno, Nevada office. Her decision to work in a boutique firm aligned with her desire for a close-knit, supportive environment where she could make a meaningful impact. Over the years, Caitlin has become a cornerstone of the firm’s water law practice, handling complex matters across agricultural, municipal, and irrigation district water use permitting, groundwater interference, public lands, and litigation.

She is admitted to practice in Nevada, Idaho, the Federal District Courts of both states, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals—an impressive credential list that reflects her broad legal reach and capability.

A Voice in the Water Law Community

Beyond her casework, Caitlin has contributed extensively to Schroeder Law Offices’ blog and public education efforts. Her writing spans topics such as corner crossing legal disputes, water quality regulations, rural homeownership challenges, and youth agricultural programs. Her ability to translate complex legal issues into accessible insights has made her a trusted voice in the water law community.

Caitlin has also led webinars and legislative updates, sharing her knowledge with water system operators and stakeholders across the region. Her work consistently reflects a deep understanding of the intersection between law, environment, and rural livelihoods.

A Life of Balance and Curiosity

Outside the office, Caitlin Skulan lives on a small farm where she enjoys gardening, cooking, and spending time with her family and dogs. Her love for travel is matched by her curiosity about global agricultural practices—whether visiting lemon orchards on the Amalfi Coast, vineyards in Tuscany, or regenerative farms in Hawaii. These experiences enrich her perspective and reinforce her commitment to sustainable resource management.

Looking Ahead

As Caitlin steps into her new role as Partner, Schroeder Law Offices celebrates not only her professional achievements but also the values she embodies: integrity, empathy, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her promotion is a reflection of her leadership, her contributions to the firm’s growth, and her impact on clients and colleagues alike.

Congratulations, Caitlin Skulan, on this well-deserved recognition. We look forward to the continued evolution of your career and the many ways you will shape the future of water law.