Emily Whalen

Emily joined Advocates for the West in January 2025 with a background in paralegal studies, conservation biology, and environmental law. Emily is passionate about protecting the American West and all the ecosystems and species that make it unique.

Emily holds a B.A. in English and Philosophy from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York, a M.A. in Environmental Law and Policy from Vermont Law School in South Royalton, Vermont, and a B.S. in Conservation Biology from Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana. Emily spent a semester volunteering in Zambia with the Zambian Carnivore Programme studying predator-prey dynamics in Luangwa National Park. After working as a criminal defense paralegal for the last 5 years, Emily is excited to return her focus to protecting the environment. 

Emily lives in Stevensville, Montana with her 3 dogs, 1 cat, and 2 horses. In her free time, she can be found riding her horses, hiking, rafting, reading, and competing in dog sports with her border collie, Hank.