Getting Involved in Environmental Law

Lawyers in private practice focus on litigation, representing claimants or defendants in cases with environmental aspects. This might include cases involving allegations against companies who haven’t met environmental regulations. Lawyers might also act as an advocate for the protection of natural resources and the environment.

• Where They Work:

  Private practices can be anywhere. From a small building on a slow street to the highest skyscraper in the city, private law firms are abundant in many different areas. Environmental law-specific practices may be more prevalent in areas where natural resources and the environment are dominant issues, or where many government agencies are located.

• Responsibilities:

  Start-to-finish litigation, identifying potential cases, meeting with clients, researching and developing strategy for representation and defending or prosecuting the case in court.

• Good Fit For:

  Creative, energetic, risk-taking lawyers. Infrastructure for environmental law is still developing, so there is room for much interpretation and groundwork to still be done. There are opportunities to stand up for those who are likely underrepresented here.

A corporate attorney works for a specific company, usually in the private sector. These professionals advise management regarding environmental regulations and laws, and may try cases in court if necessary. They may work by themselves or with a larger legal team. Job titles for these positions include Chief Legal Officer, In-House Counsel and high-level Legal Specialists.

• Where They Work:

  In an office for a single company. These companies could be any size, but they all have dealings with labor or environmental unions, waste disposal, land procurement or government regulations. Companies like ExxonMobil, Fox Sports and Liberty Mutual all have in-house legal departments that may need environmental lawyers on their team.

• Responsibilities:

  Provide legal advice and draft contracts, advise management on changes in the law, and represent their company in litigation. Advocate for the company and help it maintain strong business practices that are aligned with the law.

• Good Fit For:

  Lawyers willing to travel and represent a distinct entity, who have great writing and speaking skills as they may often have to speak on behalf of their company. A strong ethical base and sense of accountability is important. These professionals may deal with only a small part of the law; lawyers seeking specialization may be a good fit here.

Civil rights, environmental law and education reform are just a few of the arenas in which a public interest lawyer may work. Specific to environmental law, these attorneys may work to uphold high standards of environmental regulations, but not all environmental lawyers are relegated to working with statutes. Corporate law, property law, constitutional law, food and drug law and international law all cross into the larger realm of environmental public interest law.

• Where They Work:

  Non-profits, public defense, all levels of government and charitable organizations might all employ public service lawyers. International public interest law is one of the fastest growing areas of the field, with places like World Bank, the United Nations or any of the thousands of non-government or multi-government organizations popping up around the world.

• Responsibilities:

  To serve the public interest, and to look out for the interest of people who may be underserved or marginalized. Whereas an in-house attorney serves the needs of their company, a public interest attorney serves the needs of the public. They may practice for a reduced rate for their clients, or work on legal reform and lobby for new regulations.

• Good Fit For:

  Professionals with a strong sense of purpose to serve the underserved. Lawyers in this field should be flexible, good communicators and have extensive knowledge about and passion for their specific niche within environmental law.

Every organization that is known as a charity falls under the non-profit umbrella. There are approximately 1.5 million of these organizations in the United States, and they all need someone who can help them navigate the law within their specific sectors. According to GuideStar, a non-profit directory, there are nearly 65,000 non-profits under the Environment and Animals category.

• Where They Work:

  Environmental lawyers in the non-profit sector work at charity offices, and may work in the field with their organizations. Organizations like 350.org, The Nature Conservancy, the Sierra Club and the Environmental Defense Fund are all non-profits that employ lawyers.

• Responsibilities:

  Vary tremendously in terms of environmental law. One might advise on handling disaster relief, property law and restoration or chemical clean up and disposal. Others might work on land procurement contracts or agreements for land or property usage.

• Good Fit For:

  Principled individuals with interest in helping charitable organizations adhere to legal guidelines. Clear thinkers, great communicators and fast-acting individuals are especially well-suited for this line of work.