How to become an environmental lawyer

How to become an Environmental Lawyer

Becoming an environmental lawyer requires a combination of education, legal training, and a passion for environmental issues. Here’s a breakdown of the typical pathway to the career:

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is mandatory before entering law school. While there is no specific undergraduate major required, many prospective environmental lawyers choose degrees in environmental science, environmental studies, natural resource conservation, natural resource management, political science, or biology,

These degree programs help develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills, and provide foundational knowledge of environmental issues.

Take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

• Purpose – The LSAT is a standardized test required for admission to most law schools in the US (or the equivalent in other countries). It assesses logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and reading comprehension.
• Preparation – Many aspiring environmental lawyers take LSAT prep courses, use online resources, and practise with sample tests to achieve a competitive score.

Attend Law School

• Degree – Earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) or the equivalent authority in your country.
• Curriculum – Primary subjects include constitutional law, contracts, torts, legal writing, and ethics. To build a foundation in environmental law, focus on coursework in environmental law and policy, natural resources law, administrative law, land use law, climate change law, and international environmental law. Some schools offer distinct programs or graduate certificates in environmental and energy law.
• Extracurricular Opportunities – Participate in law clinics or research projects which provide practical experience working with environmental issues and laws.

Pass the Bar Exam

• Requirement – After earning your J.D. degree, you must pass the bar exam in the state or jurisdiction where you intend to practise.
• Focus Areas – The bar exam tests knowledge of state and federal law, ethics, and procedure.
• Preparation – Enroll in a bar review course and study intensively.
• In addition to passing the bar exam, jurisdictions may require candidates to take a legal ethics exam (such as the MPRE - Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination), take an oath, and undergo a background check as part of the licensing process.

Gain Experience
Intern or clerk at law firms, government agencies, or NGOs specializing in environmental law. Work with advocacy organizations or research institutions focused on environmental issues.

Specialize
Choose a specialization within environmental law based on your professional goals. Options include regulatory compliance, energy and climate change law, land use and conservation, and environmental policy and advocacy

For a complete list of specializations in the field, please see the What does an Environmental Lawyer do? section in the career overview.

Pursue a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Environmental Law (Optional)
A Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Environmental Law provides students with advanced education in the field. Graduates will be able to evaluate environmental law and policy, effectively engage the institutions and individuals that influence environmental law and policy, assess the social and ecological impacts of environmental law and policy, formulate solutions to environmental law and policy problems, and work effectively in a professional environment within and across diverse groups of people with varying backgrounds and perspectives.

Continuing Legal Education (CLE)
Environmental law is constantly evolving due to changes in policies, science, and societal needs. Therefore, regularly reading legal journals, attending workshops, and participating in continuing legal education programs focused on environmental laws and trends is essential. Many states require lawyers to earn CLE credits throughout their careers to maintain licensure.

Certifications
There are various optional certifications available to environmental lawyers that demonstrate their expertise and set them apart in a competitive field. These are some notable certifications:

• Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification – While not specific to law, this credential, offered by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), is valuable for environmental lawyers working in areas like sustainable building, energy law, and land use. LEED certification demonstrates expertise in green building practices and energy efficiency.
• Certified Environmental Risk Assessment Manager (CERA) – Offered by the Chartered Institute of Professional Certifications, the CERA program provides environmental leaders with the practical skills to evaluate environmental exposures and effects, model risk pathways, quantify uncertainties, and recommend risk management strategies.
• Certificate in Environmental Management – The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) administers this certification, which focuses on risk management related to environmental impact, offering knowledge about how environmental law intersects with corporate responsibility and sustainability.
• Certified Environmental Professional (CEP) – Offered by the Academy of Board Certified Environmental Professionals (ABCEP), this certification is aimed at professionals working in environmental fields, including lawyers involved in environmental consulting, compliance, or environmental impact assessments.
• Specialized Certifications in Climate Change or Sustainability Law – These certification programs, offered by some universities and legal associations, help lawyers gain specific expertise in emerging areas of environmental law, such as climate litigation, renewable energy policies, and corporate sustainability initiatives.

Professional Organizations
In addition to the certifying bodies referenced above in the Certifications section, the following organizations and associations also support the environmental law sector, providing resources and opportunities for networking and education:

• American Bar Association (ABA) – Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources (SEER) – The ABA’s SEER section is one of the most prominent organizations for environmental lawyers. It focuses on a wide range of issues, including environmental law, energy law, climate change, and natural resources law, and publishes the Environmental Law Reporter.
• Environmental Law Institute (ELI) – ELI is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to improving environmental law and governance through research, education, and policy advocacy.
• American College of Environmental Lawyers (ACOEL) – ACOEL is a national network of environmental lawyers who work to promote better environmental laws and policies. Membership is by invitation and members are recognized by their peers as preeminent in their field.
• International Bar Association (IBA) – The IBA’s Environment, Health, and Safety Law Committee supports the development and understanding of environmental law at the international level. Its focus is on climate change, sustainable development, and international environmental treaties.
• Earthjustice – Earthjustice is an environmental advocacy organization that provides legal support for environmental cases, often with a focus on public interest and protecting public health, wildlife, and natural resources.
• National Environmental Law Association (NELA) – NELA is a non-profit organization that promotes environmental law, sustainability, and environmental justice.
• Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ) – SEJ connects journalists, researchers, and lawyers who work on environmental issues.
• American Society of Environmental History (ASEH) – ASEH focuses on the intersection of environmental law and history, encouraging a deeper understanding of environmental challenges and legal solutions. It provides access to publications that explore the historical developmental of environmental laws.
• Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide (ELAW) – ELAW is a global alliance of attorneys, scientists, and other advocates collaborating across borders to build a sustainable, just future.
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) – IUCN focuses on environmental conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, working with governments, NGOs, and businesses.