Environmental Lawyers

High School

Classes in biology, chemistry, environmental studies, history, economics, English, computers, and foreign language are a solid basis for undergraduate studies in environmental law. Course work that emphasizes research, analytical thinking, and writing is recommended. The ability to argue a case and speak well in public is crucial to success in this job. Speech and debate classes will help hone your skills in this area.

Postsecondary Education

An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university is required to enter law school. Bachelor’s degree studies can be in a range of subjects. Environmental lawyers may have educational backgrounds in biology, political science, English, environmental policy, or agriculture. Science and engineering studies are especially useful because environmental law work involves reading and understanding scientific explanations about pollutants and other environmental issues.

Upon receiving their undergraduate degree, students take the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) to gain entrance to a law school that is accredited by the American Bar Association. They attend law school for three years, taking classes that cover such topics as legal methods, civil procedure, criminal law and criminal procedure, and torts. They also take environmental law-related courses such as Environmental Law and Policy, Green Energy Policy, Land Transactions, and Land Use. Environmental law students also receive specialized training through internships with private law firms, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations that specialize in environmental law. Students who graduate from law school receive a juris doctor (J.D.) degree.

U.S. News & World Report ranks the best law schools that offer specialized training in environmental law. In 2019, the following schools (in descending order) were cited as offering the best environmental law programs: Pace University, University of California-Berkeley, Lewis & Clark College (Northwestern), Vermont Law School, University of California-Los Angeles, Columbia University, University of Colorado-Boulder, University of Oregon, University of Utah (Quinney), Georgetown University, Harvard University, New York University, and Stanford University.

Certification

Some lawyers choose to earn a master of laws (LL.M) degree, an advanced law certification that helps them advance professionally. LL.M programs, which typically last one year, are offered in many areas—such as energy/environment/natural resources and general law. A first law degree is required for admission to LL.M programs. Visit https://www.lsac.org/llm-other-law-program-applicants for more information. Visit https://www.americanbar.org/groups/legal_education/resources/llm-degrees_post_j_d_non_j_d/programs_by_school for a list of LL.M. specialties and the law schools that offer them.

Other Education or Training

The American Bar Association, Association of Corporate Counsel, National Association for Law Placement, and state and local bar associations offer a variety of continuing education opportunities. Contact these organizations for more information.