what it's like to work at an environmental nonprofit lawyer

These attorneys, who sometimes work in public interest jobs in government or at environmental nonprofit organizations, specialize in interpreting environmental laws and regulations at the international, federal, state and local levels. They often represent clients who are affected by various environmental policies. [

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What is it like being an environmental lawyer?

Environmental Lawyers tend to work long hours and are required to be flexible depending on the demands of certain cases. As a lot of Environmental Lawyers work within government, cities with a large number of government agencies are a hot spot for environmental lawyers.

Do environmental attorneys represent regulated companies?

Although environmental attorneys who work for public interest organizations often file lawsuits against companies that violate environmental protection regulations, other environmental attorneys represent regulated companies.

Are law school clinics worth it for environmental lawyers?

Law school clinics can provide a strong foundation for aspiring environmental attorneys, one expert notes. (Getty Images) Jeff Gracer, a principal at the New York-based Sive, Paget & Riesel P.C. environmental law firm, loves the outdoors. "I was an avid hiker and backpacker very early in my life," Gracer says.

Who are the environmental lawyers who love the outdoors?

Jeff Gracer, a principal at the New York-based Sive, Paget & Riesel P.C. environmental law firm, loves the outdoors. "I was an avid hiker and backpacker very early in my life," Gracer says.

What is it like being an environmental lawyer?

An environmental lawyer may work with a variety of clients from individuals to large corporations to government agencies. They focus on environmental rights and laws and may work on projects relating to renewable energy, sustainability, and climate change.

Can you make a lot of money as an environmental lawyer?

The average Environmental Lawyer in the US makes $181,586. Environmental Lawyers make the most in San Francisco, CA at $270,894, averaging total compensation 49% greater than the US average.

What exactly does an environmental lawyer do?

An environmental lawyer works to represent clients in legal issues such as in clean technology, water law, climate change law and the management of land subject to native title and other public land. Environment laws are a large and complex specialty within the practice of law.

What kind of lawyer makes the most money?

Some of the highest-paid lawyers are:Medical Lawyers – Average $138,431. Medical lawyers make one of the highest median wages in the legal field. ... Intellectual Property Attorneys – Average $128,913. ... Trial Attorneys – Average $97,158. ... Tax Attorneys – Average $101,204. ... Corporate Lawyers – $116,361.

What is the highest paying job in environmental science?

5 High Paying Environmental Science Careers#1 Biochemist. Median Salary: $94,270. Education: Doctorate. Experience: None. ... #2 Environmental Engineer. Median Salary: $92,120. Education: Bachelor's. ... #3 Hydrologist. Median Salary: $84,040. Education: Bachelor's. ... #4 Environmental Scientist. Median Salary: $73,230. Education: Bachelor's.

What do I study to become an environmental lawyer?

While there is not a specific major that's required to become an environmental lawyer, pursuing majors such as political science, public policy or environmental studies are all excellent options. It's common for undergraduate programs to have pre-determined class requirements.

What undergraduate degree is best for environmental law?

Students typically need at least a bachelor's degree to qualify for law school. However, colleges rarely offer undergraduate environmental law degrees. Instead, students should consider a bachelor's degree in political science or economics with a minor in a science-related field.

How do you know if I would be a good lawyer?

You work well with others. That's right—being a lawyer means working with people! ... You can persuade others. The ability to persuade=the practice of law. ... You are independent and self-disciplined. ... You can endure the grind. ... You don't take things at face value. ... You must be able to network.

Why do you want to study environmental law?

Why is Environmental Law Important? As you can see from the list above, environmental laws play a huge part in protecting humans, animals, resources, and habitats. Without these laws, there would be no regulations concerning pollution, contamination, hunting, or even response to disasters.

How can a lawyer make 7 figures?

4 Keys to Achieving a 7-Figure IncomeRun your law firm like a business. You studied the law as a noble profession, but to break the seven-figure barrier, you must run your law firm like a business. ... Focus on a niche. ... Identify your ideal target market. ... Pay attention to your firm's finances.

What type of lawyer makes the least money?

Legal Aid Attorney Legal Aid attorneys provide counsel to people who cannot afford to pay for their own lawyer. These are public interest jobs that many lawyers get a great deal of satisfaction out of, even if they don't make a large amount of money.

What field of law is most in demand?

Most in-demand practice areasCommercial law.Litigation.Real estate law.Intellectual property.Family law.

What Does An Environmental Lawyer do?

An environmental lawyer works to represent clients in legal issues such as in clean technology, water law, climate change law and the management of...

Where Does An Environmental Lawyer Work?

Depending on where an Environmental Lawyer works, the day to day duties of an Environmental Lawyer include meeting with clients, researching enviro...

What Is The Average Environmental Lawyer Salary?

The median salary range for an Environmental Lawyer is $113,530 per year or $54.58 per hour. Employment for Environmental Lawyers is growing at a r...

Environmental Lawyer Jobs & Job Description

1. Analyze and interpret data obtained from literature reviews, case law, criminal, civil and regulatory research, and sample findings 2. Interview...

What Degree Do I Need to Apply to Environmental Law Schools?

To practice as an Environmental Lawyer you will need to obtain a law degree commonly known as a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or a Juris Doctor (JD). The...

What Kind of Societies and Professional Organizations Do Environmental Lawyers have?

1. The Environmental Law Institute (ELI) is the professional organization for environmental lawyers globally. ELI's visions is for a “healthy envir...

What Does an Environmental Lawyer Do?

The laws address a wide array of issues including water and air pollution, chemical spills , water quality, land conservation, and wildlife protection.

How much does an environmental lawyer make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”) Occupational Outlook Handbook, average annual salary for environmental lawyers is $119,250 ($57.33/hr.) as of 2018. This is the average for all lawyers as the BLS does not distinguish between fields of practice.

What does the government do with environmental lawyers?

Lawyers may interpret laws, assist with risk assessment during disasters, and help create new policies. Nonprofit organizations rely on lawyers in this area of practice as well.

What is the job rate of lawyers in 2026?

The employment rate for lawyers is expected to increase around 8% , by 2026 according to the BLS. This is the average rate for all jobs in the U.S.

How to find a lawyer in your area?

You can also use lawyer directory websites to locate a lawyer in your area. These law directories generally include information about the attorney such as experience and disciplinary records. The bar association website in your state may also publish a list of licensed attorneys.

What is the most common licensing requirement for a lawyer?

All states set additional licensing requirements for lawyers, the most common being Continuing Education . Continuing Education is designed to keep legal professionals up-to-date with current laws and new case precedent. The number of hours required varies, as does the frequency.

Do lawyers charge retainers?

It is also common for lawyers to require a retainer fee. This fee is a portion of the total costs, paid upfront, and placed into a special account for the lawyer to use and he works on the case. The amount charged varies based on what the case involves, the lawyer’s experience, and geographical location.

What Does an Environmental Lawyer Do?

An environmental lawyer works to represent clients in legal issues such as in clean technology, water law, climate change law and the management of land subject to native title and other public land . Other areas of focus include environmental rights, international environmental law, law of the sea and international resources law. Environmental lawyers also work in the areas of climate change, sustain ability and renewable energies , a growing area of enterprise globally.

What Kind of Societies and Professional Organizations Do Environmental Lawyers Have?

The Environmental Law Institute (ELI) is the professional organization for environmental lawyers globally. ELI's visions is for a “healthy environment, prosperous economies, and vibrant communities founded on the rule of law”. ELI fosters innovative, just, and practical law and policy solutions to enable environmental lawyers to make environmental, economic and social progress. Professionals can join the ELI network by paying an annual subscription.

What Is the Average Environmental Lawyer Salary?

Although the BLS does not maintain stats on environmental lawyers, it does report the median salary of lawyers, which was $126,930 as of May 2020. The job demand for lawyers is projected to increase by 9 percent between 2020 and 2030. As the world becomes more environmentally conscious the market for environmental lawyers grows and will continue to do so.

What Degree Do I Need to Apply to Environmental Law Schools?

To practice as an Environmental Lawyer you will need to obtain a law degree commonly known as a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or a Juris Doctor (JD). The JD is a postgraduate qualification, the bachelor is an undergraduate qualification. Further qualification is also available including a Masters of Law (LLM), Masters of Environmental Law, or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). These further options are a good option for lawyers seeking more senior roles or a higher pay grade.

Why is environmental law important?

This is an important career because it can be used to protect the environment through legal avenues. Environmental Lawyers work within private firms, government, and academia. Environmental Lawyers work primarily in an office environment but also regularly represent clients in court and engage in teaching at universities. ...

What is the American Bar Association?

The American Bar Association (ABA) is the national American Association of Lawyers responsible for regulating the professional standards and ethical codes of lawyers nationally. The ABA's mission statement is to “serve equally our members, our profession and the public by defending liberty and delivering justice as the national representative of the legal profession”. There is an annual fee to the ABA to practice as a lawyer.

What is the purpose of environmental law?

The purpose of an Environmental Lawyer is to work with environmental case law and legislation to represent various environmental interests. Environmental laws regulate and define the activities of humans upon the geological and biological systems that are affected by contact. Issues such as ecology, sustainability, responsibility, ...

What does it take to practice environmental law?

Practicing environmental law takes passion, like save-the-planet passion. If you have it, then you are halfway there already.

What is regulatory work?

Regulatory work means a lot of paperwork. In private environmental practice, you can get lost in the trees that died to make paper.

Is it bad to be a corporate lawyer?

It's not all that bad, especially because your main job should be to keep your corporate client in compliance with environmental regulations. Think of it as if you were saving Darth Vader from an ignominous death.

Can you love the outdoors?

You may love the outdoors -- until you get caught in a hailstorm.

Does Findlaw pay for editorial coverage?

FindLaw has an affiliate relationship with Indeed, earning a small amount of money each time someone uses Indeed's services via FindLaw. FindLaw receives no compensation in exchange for editorial coverage.

What does an environmental lawyer do?

These attorneys, who sometimes work in public interest jobs in government or at environmental nonprofit organizations, specialize in interpreting environmental laws and regulations at the international, federal, state and local levels.

Why are environmental lawyers intimidated?

Harvard Law School 's "A Trail Guide to Careers in Environmental Law" offers words of encouragement in this vein: "Many would-be environmental attorneys are intimidated by the field because of the perception that it requires scientific expertise. While environmental lawyers often work alongside scientists to achieve their goals, this collaboration allows scientists to concentrate on the science and lawyers to concentrate on the law."

What does Gotthelf like about environmental regulations?

But Gotthelf says one of the things she likes about environmental regulations is that they are typically clear and specific as opposed to being open to interpretation.

Should environmental lawyers go to law school?

Though aspiring environmental lawyers should take courses in environmental law, it isn't critical for them to attend a law school with an official concentration in this discipline, Gracer says. "There are several law schools that have great environmental law programs," he says, "but there are also law schools that are just excellent law schools ...

Can companies that follow environmental regulations get in trouble?

Companies that follow environmental protection regulations but fail to file proper paperwork can get in trouble. "Good intentions don’t always get you brownie points in environmental law," she says. "There is a certain way you have to do things and certain records you have to keep, and that’s just the way it is.".

Can environmental lawyers take business classes?

Gracer adds that aspiring environmental attorneys can benefit from taking business courses . "If I were going to law school today, I would get a joint J.D.-MBA because I think a lot of the solutions to climate change are going to be driven by market forces and private sector decisions in the business community," he says.

Want to Work Outside? Look to Environmental Nonprofit Jobs

Even the most dedicated and intrepid adventurer has limits to their outdoors lifestyle while trying to balance, well, the rest of life. When evenings and weekends just aren’t enough to satisfy your outdoor itch and your plans are bigger than your paycheck, it’s time to start looking for outdoor jobs.

Interested in the Outdoors Industry? Consider Environmental Nonprofit Jobs

The upsides of working environmental nonprofit jobs are numerous, and at first, obvious. But unless you become the director of a very large and very successful organization, odds are the monetary compensation from your work will be less than what you might get working for the government or, truthfully, most other places.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of working in the nonprofit sector?

Some advantages, like fulfilling work and kind coworkers, can be expected. Many disadvantages, like increased bureaucracy and burnout, often take career changers by surprise. Knowing about both before you make a decision will better prepare ...

How many projects can a nonprofit employee be assigned to?

Unparalleled growth opportunities exist. While three corporate employees may be assigned to one project, one nonprofit employee may find himself assigned to three projects. This can lead to faster career development and more varied job responsibilities for those looking to get ahead quickly.

What is the level of burnout in nonprofits?

The level of burnout is high. Those who enter the nonprofit workforce with a specific mission and goal in mind do so with great purpose. This great purpose often places a heavy weight on the shoulders of those doing the work.

What do nonprofits value?

Nonprofits value business skills . The nonprofit sector is being flooded with people who have spent a day, a year, or a whole career in the for-profit sector and have decided that now is the time for change. The lines between corporate and community are shrinking, and the value of those from each sector is rapidly being understood and capitalized upon by the other.

Is working at a non profit fulfilling?

Working at a nonprofit can be fulfilling and maddening all at the same time. The industry has its own way of doing things and insiders know how to navigate the negatives. Here are some of the most common complaints of “nonprofiteers.”. Concrete results or clear benchmarks of success can be difficult to spot.

Is a bad day in a corporate job a bad day in a nonprofit job?

The stakes are higher. A bad day in a corporate job is unlikely to resemble a bad day in a nonprofit job. Consider the difference between losing a few percent off your stock price and losing a mentored young person to drugs. The stakes are simply higher when you are dealing with a cause close to your heart.

Do nonprofits have a hierarchy?

Not so at nonprofits. The structures are often less hierarchical, and nonprofit employees can take advantage of a smaller internal community.