what kind of jobs environmental lawyer

• Drafting legal documents and correspondence
• Acquiring evidence for the court through research and interviews
• Presenting evidence in court cases regarding environmental issues
• Providing legal guidance, advice and counsel to clients
• Researching environmental issues and legal developments
• Teaching students in environmental law classes
• Working with government agencies to improve environmental policy, law and regulations

Full Answer

How do I become an environmental lawyer?

Becoming an environmental lawyer requires completing a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree program at an accredited law school. Prospective environmental lawyers may also wish to further their knowledge by selecting a J.D. program that offers a specialization in environmental law, or by completing a Master of Laws program with an environmental law emphasis.

How to become an environmental attorney?

Potential environmental law opportunities:

• Friends of the Earth offers a one-year legal internship and will provide you with the opportunity to work on a range of cases.
• Greenpeace International offers a paid internship which will also provide you with a chance to work on lots of different environmental law issues:
• WWF-UK has a legal department so keep an eye on its vacancies website

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What is the salary for an environmental attorney?

What is the salary trajectory of an Environmental Attorney? The salary trajectory of an Environmental Attorney ranges between locations and employers. The salary starts at $115,882 per year and goes up to $115,882 per year for the highest level of seniority.

Should I become an environmental lawyer?

• Important Facts About Environmental Lawyers
• Private Companies. A diverse mix of private companies and industries utilize our natural resources and need the services of an environmental lawyer.
• Government Agencies. ...
• Non-Profit Organizations. ...
• Environmental Lawyer Education Options and Licensure. ...
• Employment Information. ...

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.

Is environmental law a good career?

Environmental law can be an excellent career, especially for those who have prior experience in a regulated industry, regulatory body or advocacy group.

What kind of work environment do lawyers work in?

Work environment. Attorneys spend most of their time in courtrooms, law libraries, or legal offices. They can meet clients at their homes, prisons, or hospitals. Lawyers may have to travel to various locations such as courtrooms or meeting locations.

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

The salaries of Environmental Lawyers in the US range from $34,720 to $799,563 , with a median salary of $168,695 . The middle 57% of Environmental Lawyers makes between $168,699 and $378,751, with the top 86% making $799,563.

Where do environmental lawyers make the most money?

What are Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Environmental Lawyer JobsCityAnnual SalaryMonthly PayNew York City, NY$96,863$8,072San Mateo, CA$94,540$7,878Daly City, CA$92,564$7,714Berkeley, CA$92,516$7,7106 more rows

Is environmental law boring?

Although much of the scholarship in environmental law has tried to find a master vocabulary in cost-benefit analysis, the law itself has an inconsistent, even erratic relation to economic balancing. Not to put too fine a point on it, environmental law is often boring.

Where are lawyers most in demand?

New York State has the highest concentration of lawyers compared to any other state, resulting in higher demand for the profession — nearly double the average national demand.

Is law school difficult?

In summary, law school is hard. Harder than regular college or universities, in terms of stress, workload, and required commitment. But about 40,000 people graduate from law schools every year–so it is clearly attainable.

Will lawyers be in demand in the future?

Employment Outlook for Lawyers Employment of lawyers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Demand for legal work is expected to continue as individuals, businesses, and all levels of government require legal services in many areas.

What is the highest paid lawyer?

Highest paid lawyers: salary by practice areaTax attorney (tax law): $122,000.Corporate lawyer: $115,000.Employment lawyer: $87,000.Real Estate attorney: $86,000.Divorce attorney: $84,000.Immigration attorney: $84,000.Estate attorney: $83,000.Public Defender: $63,000.More items...•

What is the highest paying attorney job?

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 it's like being an environmental lawyer?

They focus on environmental rights and laws and may work on projects relating to renewable energy, sustainability, and climate change. A successful environmental lawyer will have many skills including research, analysis, negotiation, and both written and verbal communication.

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?

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 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.

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.

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 Is an Environmental Lawyer?

The field of environmental law focuses on issues of both national and international concern. According to The United States Department of Justice's (DOJ) Environment & Natural Resources Division, these issues may arise from pollution violations, environmental impact studies, wildlife protection laws and Native-American rights ( www.justice.gov ). Federal land use and acquisition, as well as policies affecting natural resources, are also within the purview of this field.

What is the job of a lawyer?

They work to protect the planet's resources and are responsible for ensuring that corporations and organizations are following the rules and regulations set forth by the government. These lawyers have both knowledge of the law and of scientific and environmental subjects, such as biodiversity, agriculture and ecosystems.

How much does an attorney make?

According to a January 2019 search at the DOJ, an attorney could earn between $91,468 and $140,733 per year.

What is the EPA?

In the event of natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods and tornadoes, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that the need for legal intervention might arise ( www.epa.gov ). You may also be involved with cases of criminal negligence that resulted from hazardous waste and chemical or oil spills.

What Are the Duties of an Environmental Lawyer?

The main job is to assess, research, and strategize cases to represent their clients best. The laws are complex and can vary state to state, so environmental lawyers that know the local laws and focus on specific issues are in demand.

What do environmental lawyers cover?

You may think the only issues environmental lawyers cover would be things like preserving natural parks , but environmental lawyers could work with anything from rare animals to human-made buildings to the air we breathe.

What Education Does Someone Need to Do to Become an Environmental Lawyer?

All attorneys need a four-year degree from a college or university, but this degree does not need to be in a related science field. They also typically need a Master of Laws (LLB) or a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a law school. Environmental lawyers should take law classes that focus on environmental issues, and many choose to intern at law firms that focus on relevant topics.

How Do Environment Attorneys Bill Their Services?

If you hire an environmental attorney, you can expect them to charge by the hour. Some cases may have a predetermined flat rate charge based on the type of work involved, like performing an assessment or reviewing documents. However, when an attorney is an in-house counsel for a business, they are often paid a salary.

What Questions Should I Ask Before Hiring an Environmental Law Attorney?

It is essential to hire someone who has experience in the specific type of case you have.

What are environmental issues?

However, the range of environmental issues they may handle is extensive, such as: Water quality, air quality, and pollution. Proper disposal of hazardous waste. Animal rights and species protection.

When do you want an environment law attorney?

You might want an environment law attorney when the problem involves the emotional and physical needs of people and animals.

What does an environmental lawyer do?

Depending upon the place where an environmental lawyer works, an environmental attorney day-to-day responsibilities include visiting clients, investigating environmental policy trends, writing papers, and teaching the public and students about environmental law.

How many years of experience do environmental lawyers need?

Sometimes, corporations and government departments tend to employ people with 5-7 years of work experience. The more experience you gain, the higher the environmental lawyer salary you would be eligible to receive.

What are the elements of environmental law?

You’ll hear about important elements of the legal system of environmental law, including constitutional law, federal court systems, international law, law, state law, local government law, and legislation . You’ll also spend time talking explicitly about environmental laws and policies currently in place.

What is the purpose of a legal background for an environmental lawyer?

A relevant scientific degree or background can allow an environmental law attorney to understand intuitively the nature of the chemical release event, the likely harm that would result, and the probable remediation required. Even new environmental law attorneys with such backgrounds can work well with environmental consultants in advising clients regarding issues arising in emergency response, and measures to prepare for that response, consistent with the law.

What is practical experience in a regulatory environment?

Practical experience where regulator s and regulated entities work together to achieve compliance can be invaluable. I first drafted Resource Conservation and Recovery Act hazardous waste incinerator permits for the EPA and then joined the industry as a compliance manager for a company implementing the same type of permit. This combined experience allows attorneys to appreciate regulatory intent and practical limitations in implementation, advising clients, and negotiating with regulators within that context.

What are environmental issues?

Typically, these basic questions involve whether a statute applies to a particular source of air emissions, water discharges, waste or release, and, if applicable, how to comply with the law.

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.

What are the jobs that can be done with an environmental science degree?

Individuals who pursue an environmental science degree have several options when it comes to jobs, including a career as a microbiologist, environmental scientist and environmental engineer.

What is the job of an environmental technician?

Primary duties: Environmental technicians work to identify, assess and prevent various forms of contamination within the environment. They may work in either the field or a lab and often work alongside environmental engineers. Common duties include overseeing waste operations, collection samples and helping to maintain equipment.

What are the duties of environmental geologists?

Primary duties: Environmental geologists analyze and collect data related to the geological components of the environment. They may study minerals, soil and groundwater as well as assess industrial work areas such as mining operations.

What is an environmental manager?

Primary duties: An environmental manager is a professional who is responsible for overseeing an organization's compliance with environmental regulations to reduce the company's overall carbon footprint and waste output. Common areas that they analyze include clean water, pollution, air quality and waste as it relates to an organization.

What is the job of an environmental health and safety officer?

Primary duties: Environmental health and safety officers inspect and analyze various processes within a working area that relate to the environment to ensure they meet safety regulations and industry standards. They assess current processes and formulate solutions to maintain and improve the safety and health of customers, employees and the environment.

What is the job of a water quality scientist?

Primary duties: Water quality scientists test and analyze water taken from surface water, groundwater and drinking water. They provide solutions for maintaining and improving water quality and report any water quality issues such as pollution. They typically work for the government, non-profit environmental agencies and commercial businesses.

What are the primary duties of environmental scientists?

Primary duties: These professionals are responsible for monitoring the impact the environment has on a group of people and uncovering and proposing solutions to environmental issues. They most commonly work in chemical and power plans. They perform samples on food, water, soil or air and implement prevention programs to help minimize environment-related problems.

What is the job of an environmental technician?

An environmental technician's job duties include maintaining equipment, managing hazardous waste and collecting a wide variety of samples to help with their contamination evaluations.

What are the duties of an environmental specialist?

Primary duties: Environmental specialists observe and identify the influence a population has on the environment. Based on their findings, they offer suggestions to benefit the environment in problem areas . Environmental specialists also ensure society meets a variety of regulations regarding water, soil and air.

What is the job of environmental compliance specialist?

They collect various evidence that is analyzed in labs to help their investigation. Environmental compliance specialists also research hazardous material that could pose a threat to the environment and manage special waste approvals. Their goal is to maintain compliance with laws and regulations regarding environmental practices.

What is the primary job of an environmental consultant?

Primary duties: Environmental consultants assess environmental issues and relay their findings to their clients. They ensure policies and procedures adhere to environmental laws and guidelines. Environmental consultants work under contractual terms and assist their clients with threats to air, water and soil.

Why do environmental jobs make a difference?

An environmental job can provide you with a greater understanding of the world. The information you gain can then help the environment and those around you. Careers in this field also allow you to positively influence future generations .

What is the primary job of a wildlife specialist?

Primary duties: Wildlife specialists work for agencies that have plans to change wildlife by various means, such as new building construction. They ensure any alterations adhere to environmental regulations and obtain the right permits for these alterations.

Why do we need environmental jobs?

An environmental job can provide you with a greater understanding of the world. The information you gain can then help the environment and those around you. Careers in this field also allow you to positively influence future generations.