Updated October 14, 2004
Environmental Law:
Educational and Career Outlook
What is Environmental Law? |
What are the Educational Requirements? |
Careers and Salary Outlook |
Related Areas of Study
WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL LAW?
Environmental Law is a collection of principles, rules and regulations dealing with the interaction of human society and nature. The field of Environmental Law focuses on the interpretation of these principles related to preventing damage to the land, waters, air, living creatures and property, including socio-economic, health and cultural impacts. The field also also extends to the rights claimed over and on behalf of land, water, minerals, plants, and animals, determining who gets what and what remains.
The environmental law system is an organized way of using all of the laws in our legal system to minimize, prevent, punish or remedy the consequences of actions which damage or threaten the environment, public health and safety. The field ranges from government regulations to case law and generally accepted principles relating to liability for the release of substances into the environment, intentionally or negligently, which result in harm.
WHAT ARE THE EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS?
Environmental Law students will study an interdisciplinary curriculum of law and science, which often extends to studies of economics, ethics, planning, debate, and civic engagement. Some programs also emphasize the perspectives of the many stakeholders involved in environmental problems at the local, regional, and global levels, including private, public and nonprofit sector concerns. Specific courses we've seen include:
- Pollution Control and Natural Resource Management Strategies
- Scientific Principles for Environmental Policy
- Environmental Advocacy
- Pollution Control Law
- Historic Preservation
- Coastal & Wetland Law
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Great Resources
on Environmental Law
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- Wildlife & Endangered Species Law
- Air Pollution
- Environmental Issues in Business Transactions
- International Environmental Law
- Land Use Control
- Environmental Justice
- Science and the Prevention of Lead Poisoning
- Nuclear Regulation
- Risk Assessment and Regulation
- Environmental Enforcement
- Hazardous Waste Law
- Mining and Mineral Leasing Law
CAREERS AND SALARY OUTLOOK
Public concern over environmental issues has resulted in a complex and dynamic body of environmental law. Environmental lawyers can now be found in nearly all major law firms, in federal, state and local environmental agencies, and on the staff or the board for a great many nonprofit environmental organizations. The demand for lawyers in the field is expected to increase over the next few years. The challenge for Environmental Law professionals is to understand, apply, and improve these laws.
Environmental Law graduates can expect to find career opportunities representing public interest groups, waste disposal companies, or construction firms. They will conduct research; draft legal pleadings and documents; interview clients and witnesses; investigate, draft and/or analyze various legal documents; conduct negotiations or mediations; and monitor compliance with industry regulations. Specific job titles we've seen include:
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Career Guidance
in Environmental Law
 Environmental Laws transcend national boundaries, and encompass every aspect of environmental policy. Read more in this article by Dr. Robert Goldstein, Director of Environmental Programs at Pace Law School >>>
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- Immigration Specialist
- Civil Rights Analyst
- Environmental Protection Specialist
- Land Use Law Analyst
- Mediation Specialist
- Legislative Analyst
- Workers Compensation Claims Examiner
- Real Estate Legal Assistant
- County Counsel
- Environmental Legal Consultant
- Lobbyist
- Water Rights Specialist
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, in 2002, the median annual earnings of all lawyers was $90,290, with the middle 50 percent of lawyers earning between $60,060 and $136,810. Check out the statistics here.
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