A position in environmental law is one of the most sought-after jobs for recent law school graduates. Given the level of competition, employers expect applicants to have more specialized training and experience than might be expected of an associate in other practice areas. Our faculty has developed a rich and diverse selection of courses in both domestic and international environmental law to facilitate these studies. The following information is provided for the purpose of helping current and prospective students optimize their course selections over their second and third year.
The US Environmental Law Curriculum gives a student a firm grasp on both the substantive and procedural requirements of the practice area. Students study environmental quality and pollution, natural resources use, and liability. In addition, they learn to navigate the regulatory system and legislative process at both the state and federal level. Courses in this area are taught by both full-time faculty and distinguished practitioners from law firms, government, not-for-profits and industry.
Students wishing to focus their legal studies in this area should begin with a core group of course supplemented with other environmental electives.
Recommended Core Courses:
- Environmental Law
- Advanced Environmental Law: Liability and Torts
- Environmental Externship
The International and Comparative Environmental Law Curriculum addresses legal aspects of global environmental protection and sustainable development. The curriculum includes courses on a variety of international and comparative environmental issues such as international trade, biodiversity and wildlife, and natural resource use.
Many of the courses in the International and Comparative Environmental Law concentration are taught by Center for International Environmental Law attorneys. Working on the cutting edge of the subjects they teach, these professors provide students with the benefit of their practical experience, as well as their pioneering scholarly research.
Students wishing to focus their legal studies in this area should begin with a core group of course supplemented with other environmental electives.
Recommended Core Courses:
- International Environmental Law
- Seminar in International Environmental Law
- Comparative Environmental Law
