Lorraine Coronato
University of North Dakota
Lorraine Coronato is a law student at the University of North Dakota School of Law and a recipient of the Mary Sue Schulberg scholarship and an EMLF scholarship.
Coronato’s interest in energy and natural resources law began growing up near the Bakken region, where she witnessed firsthand the significant role the energy industry plays in local communities. With family ties to the industry through a roustabout business, she developed an early appreciation for both the economic importance of natural resources and the complex legal and environmental issues that accompany their development.
Her interest continued to grow through debate competitions focused on energy production, environmental protection, and regulatory policy, and later through hands-on experience as a sustainability intern. In law school, Coronato has further pursued her passion for the field as president of the Energy and Environmental Law Association and through her work conducting research on energy and natural resource matters.
“Having grown up in a community closely tied to the energy sector, I understand the importance of thoughtful, well-informed legal guidance that considers economic realities while promoting responsible resource management,” Coronato said in her personal statement. “I hope to contribute to legal solutions that support sustainable development, address environmental concerns, and serve the diverse stakeholders involved in energy production.”
Following law school, Coronato plans to practice in the energy and natural resources sector, helping clients navigate the legal and regulatory challenges that shape responsible resource development.