What does an environmental lawyer do?

What is an Environmental Lawyer?

Environmental lawyers are specialists in legal issues related to the environment, focusing on laws, regulations, and policies that protect natural resources, public health, and the ecosystem. Their work involves addressing challenges at the intersection of human activity and environmental preservation.

What does an Environmental Lawyer do?

Duties and Responsibilities
Environmental lawyers use their knowledge of the law and environmental science to protect the environment and promote sustainability. They work with clients such as individuals, businesses, organizations, or government agencies to handle issues like pollution, land use, climate change, and protecting endangered species. They help clients follow environmental rules, get permits for activities that might affect the environment, and resolve disputes over natural resources.

These lawyers also research past cases and laws related to environmental topics. They may work with lawmakers and advocacy groups to create or improve environmental regulations. In many cases, they go to court to address violations of environmental laws or defend clients accused of breaking these laws.

Types of Environmental Lawyers
Now that we have a sense of the environmental lawyer’s work, let’s look at some different types of these lawyers, each specializing in specific areas within the field:

Regulatory Compliance Lawyers

• Focus – Helping businesses and organizations comply with environmental laws and regulations
• Clients – Corporations, industries, or government agencies
• Key Work – Advising on permits, environmental impact assessments, and risk management

Litigation Lawyers

• Focus – Representing clients in court on environmental disputes
• Clients – Individuals, corporations, or advocacy groups
• Key Work – Handling cases related to pollution, land use, or natural resource damages

Public Interest Environmental Lawyers

• Focus – Advocating for environmental protection and public health
• Clients – Non-profits, advocacy organizations, or marginalized communities
• Key Work – Litigating cases on behalf of public or environmental justice issues

Corporate Environmental Lawyers

• Focus – Advising corporations on reducing their environmental footprint, implementing sustainable practices, and legal compliance
• Clients – Businesses and industries
• Key Work – Ensuring business activities align with environmental regulations and sustainability goals

Energy and Climate Change Lawyers

• Focus – Laws related to renewable energy, emissions, and climate policies
• Clients – Governments, energy companies, or environmental organizations
• Key Work – Addressing renewable energy projects, climate litigation, and emissions trading

Natural Resources Lawyers

• Focus – Legal matters related to the use and protection of natural resources
• Clients – Mining, forestry, or agricultural companies, as well as conservation groups
• Key Work – Handling cases on resource extraction, conservation easements, pollution and contamination disputes, or water, air, and soil rights

Land Use and Conservation Lawyers

• Focus – Zoning, development, and land conservation issues
• Clients – Developers, government agencies, or environmental groups
• Key Work – Advising on urban development, protecting wildlife habitats, preserving green spaces, and waste disposal

Agriculture and Food Lawyers

• Focus – Environmental issues in farming and food production
• Clients – Farmers, food producers, food manufacturers, packagers, and end consumers
• Key Work – Addressing pesticide use, sustainable farming practices, and food safety regulations.

Environmental Policy and Advocacy Lawyers

• Focus – Shaping environmental laws and policies
• Clients – Lawmakers, advocacy groups, and NGOs
• Key Work – Collaborating with clients to draft and implement effective legislation

International Environmental Lawyers

• Focus – Global environmental issues and cross-border disputes
• Clients – International organizations, NGOs, or multinational corporations
• Key Work – Addressing climate change treaties, global conservation efforts, or international pollution cases

What is the workplace of an Environmental Lawyer like?

Environmental lawyers can work for a wide range of entities, enabling them to contribute to environmental protection in diverse ways. These are among their most common employers:

• Large law firms with environmental law departments
• Boutique law firms specializing in environmental law
• Companies in sectors like energy, manufacturing, construction, mining, or agriculture
• Government agencies that enforce environmental laws, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), state environmental departments, local government bodies
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that advocate for environmental protection, public health, and justice, such as Greenpeace, Sierra Club, Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC)
• Advocacy groups that focus on environmental justice and marginalized communities, such as Earthjustice, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)
• Internal organizations that address global environmental issues like climate change, biodiversity, and transboundary pollution, such as the United Nations, World Bank, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
• Universities with law schools or research centers / think tanks focused on environmental law
• Environmental and legal consulting firms working with private or public sector clients
• Judicial systems and legal aid organizations

The workplace of an environmental lawyer can vary widely depending on their role and employer, but these are places in which they typically find themselves:

• Offices – Often equipped with resources like law libraries, online databases, and meeting rooms
• Courtrooms – Representing clients in legal proceedings related to environmental disputes or enforcement of regulations
• Fieldwork – Visiting factories or construction sites to assess environmental compliance, inspecting locations involved in environmental disputes (e.g., polluted waterways or damaged habitats), collaborating with scientists and engineers during environmental impact studies
• Public and Advocacy Spaces – Participating in advocacy campaigns or public awareness events
• Academic or Research Settings – Studying and/or teaching environmental law