Each day, discussions are being held regarding the environment; climate change, hazards and a lot more. As a matter of fact, there are several laws surrounding the environment and also, a growing need for environmental lawyers who understand the ins and outs of the ever-changing legislation. In the same way, there are several top schools offering environmental law degree programs in the world – see the 13 best universities here.
Environmental law is a relatively new and exciting field in which to work; it has evolved rapidly over the last thirty years. It covers diverse areas such as climate change and control, sources of energy, pollution, conservation, public health, food systems, sustainability, and Corporate Social Responsibility.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job projection for environmental lawyers (just like every other lawyer), will grow by 6% from 2018 to 2028. This outlook is as fast as the average for all occupations.
Therefore, to become an environmental lawyer, this article will provide vital information on the best schools where you can pursue a degree in environmental law in the world. In addition, you will get to know the steps on how to become one as well as the salaries of environmental lawyers.
Before we look at the best environmental law schools in the world, it’s best we understand what environmental law is all about.
What Is Environmental Law?
Basically, environmental law focuses on the interplay between humans and the environment. It is a term that encompasses a number of different disciplines when it comes to practicing law.
Environmental law relates itself to certain fields that lawyers can focus on specifically. These fields include hazardous waste, biodiversity, species protection, air quality, water quality, sustainability, wetlands, green initiatives, waste management and so much more.
Generally, it takes a deeper look at the different regulations in place that command our usage of natural resources, putting laws in place that regulate everything from chemical discharge to noise levels and beyond.
Who Is An Environmental Lawyer?
In simple terms, an environmental lawyer is an attorney who focuses his/her legal practice on handling environmental law issues.
Environmental lawyers basically uphold laws and policies and advocate for new ones that will keep the Earth’s air, water, ecosystems, and people safe from the major environmental threats.
Why Study For An Environmental Law Degree?
The field of environmental law deals specifically with concerns about environmental issues and how the law plays a vital part in our lives on a daily basis.
From international treaties to managing the world’s access to freshwater, a degree in Environmental law is one key to a lifetime of working to save the planet. Furthermore, environmental lawyers are in high demand, with many businesses seeking advice and expertise in energy efficiency or environmental regulations.
What Do Environmental Lawyers Earn?
According to monster.com, the average salary of environmental lawyers in the U.S. is $103,130.
How Can I Become An Environmental Lawyer?
What Are The Best Environmental Law Schools In The World?
Here is a list of the 13 best environmental law schools in the world:
Before we look at these top environmental law schools in the world in their entirety, it’s best we understand the state of environmental law programs online and in some parts of the USA.
Do Law Schools Offer Online Environmental Law Programs?
Yes, several schools now offer environmental law programs online. Although rare, students can pursue a distance learning L.L.M. degree in environmental law at a few public and private universities in the world.
In the USA, the American Bar Association has accredited fully online environmental law programs. These environmental law programs are mostly online Master of Laws (L.L.M.) program. Basically, they are designed for currently practicing lawyers looking to learn more about laws and policies related to energy and the environment.
These online programs include advanced coursework in energy and environmental law. In addition, online students may be able to choose electives to concentrate their studies on the specific field of environmental law, such as climate change and polices or energy laws.
Furthermore, most internationally recognized schools have adopted an online format for their environmental law programs. For instance, Lewis & Clark, the #1 environment law school in the USA is now offering its LLM degree in Environmental, Natural Resources, and Energy Law through a distance-learning online option.
​​Vermont Law School also offers online master’s and LLM degrees in environmental law, energy regulation and law, food and agriculture law and policy, and restorative justice.
Also, the University of Birmingham, Uk and the George Washington University, Law School, USA both offer Online LLM Energy and Environmental Law Programs.
Getting an online degree in environmental law takes about 2 years (24 months) to complete. However, it can take as short as 18 months or as long as 2.5 years to compline an online LLM in Environmental Law program. The duration depends on the school offering it and the student’s choice.
Online Environmental Law Duration In Schools
At Vermont Law School, students graduate in as few as 18 months of study, taking one accelerated course at a time, but have up to five years to obtain their degree.​
Meanwhile, at the University of Birmingham, online LLM in Environmental Law program takes 2.5 years to complete and is split into six career-focused modules (20 credits each) and a dissertation.
Are There Environmental Law Schools In Florida?
Definitely, there are environmental law schools in Florida. Florida as a state is home to several top universities and law schools in the USA. The state provides a perfect setting to study first-hand the efforts to reconcile growth and conservation.
The University of Florida (Levin), currently ranked #31 in the Best Law School by the US News & World’s Report offers degree programs in Environmental, Land Use & Real Estate Law. The program educates future lawyers through an innovative approach that combines the study of real estate and land use law with environmental law.
Florida State University is another top school to study environmental law in Florida. In fact, the school’s College of Law’s environmental law program is ranked the nation’s 19th best, and 1st in Florida, by U.S. News & World Report.
The University of Miami and Florida International University ranked #67 and #91 respectively in the Best Law School Rankings by the US News are not left out. They both offer exceptional environmental law degree programs.
Environmental Law Schools California
Calfornia is one of the best places to pursue a degree in environmental law with two the city’s schools ranking #3 and #4 in US News Best Environmental Schools Ranking.
Which School Has The Best Environmental Law Program In Texas?
The University of Texas, Austin offers the best environmental law program in Texas. The university’s School of Law offers an LL.M. Concentration in Global Energy, International Arbitration & Environmental Law.
The program’s aim is to catalyze the interdisciplinary study of energy, including the structure of the energy industry, transactions, dispute resolution, and environmental law, science, and policy.
As a matter of fact, this concentration is ranked by LLM Guide among the top 10 LL.M. Programs for Energy Law.
Other top schools that offer the best environmental law programs in Texas include:
Ranking Factors For The Best
#1 Lewis & Clark College (Northwestern)
Portland, Oregon
Although ranked 104 in the US News Best Law Schools Rating, Lewis & Clark Law School tops the list of our best environmental schools in the world. The school provides one of the most extensive year-round environmental, natural resources, and energy law curriculum in the United States.
With an acceptance rate of 60.12%, Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland, Oregon is an amazing place to get a degree in environmental law, natural resources law, and energy law. The school offers several certificates and degree programs in environmental law.
Furthermore, the institution is fully accredited by the American Bar Association since 1974 and is also a member of the Association of American Law Schools.
#2 Pace University (Haub)
White Plains, New York
Founded in 1976, Pace Law School was accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) in 1978 and offers a strong environmental law program.
The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University has a unique path to practice curriculum, taught by nationally recognized faculty experts, and prepares graduates to succeed as lawyers in a diverse range of practice areas.
In addition, the Elisabeth Haub School of Law is a member of the American Association of Law Schools.
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Harvard Law School is one of the preeminent centers of legal education in the US and the world. Basically, the Harvard Law School Environmental & Energy Law Program influence policy discussions about environmental, climate, and energy issues.
Here, students learn how to provide legal solutions to conflicts between different levels of government, public and private sectors, and stakeholders. In addition, the program identifies strategies that improve environmental outcomes and overcome obstacles to environmental protection.
University of California–Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
University of California–Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
University College London (UCL)
FAQs On 13 Best Environmental Law Schools In The World
Conclusion
References
AUTHOR’S RECOMMENDATION
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