where can an environmental lawyer

by Reese Medhurst Sr. 8 min read

One of the most common places to work as an environmental lawyer is within a local, state, or federal government department. These attorneys may be called upon to assess risks, serve as advisors on environmental issues, or help create policies.

Environmental law practitioners are found in all sectors: private law firms, in-house counsel for corporations, public interest and advocacy groups, and all levels of federal, state, and local governments. Environmental lawyers also practice in the Judge Advocate General Corps.

Full Answer

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 is the job of an environmental lawyer?

While an environmental lawyer’s responsibilities vary from case to case, typical duties include:

  • Interpreting data
  • Giving expert testimony in court
  • Assess damage in natural disasters
  • Prosecute entities not in complies with environmental laws
  • Represent corporations, the government or other businesses in lawsuits
  • Counsel clients on their rights
  • Advise clients on current regulations
  • Advocate for the protection of natural resources

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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.

Where do environmental lawyers make the most money?

San FranciscoEnvironmental Lawyers make the most in San Francisco, CA at $270,894, averaging total compensation 49% greater than the US average.

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...•

Can you be an international environmental lawyer?

you must obtain a qualifying law degree or alternative degree followed by the Graduate Diploma in Law./li> you must successfully complete the Legal Practice Course and a Training Contract (or the Solicitors Qualifying Exam post 2021).

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 are the duties of an environmental lawyer?

While an environmental lawyer’s responsibilities vary from case to case , typical duties include: Interpreting data. Giving expert testimony in court. Assess damage in natural disasters. Prosecute entities not in complies with environmental laws. Represent corporations, the government or other businesses in lawsuits.

How do environmental lawyers get paid?

Some attorneys in this field set their own payment rates and methods. Most charge an hourly rate or a flat-rate fee.

What is environmental law?

Environmental law is the body of laws that governs how people interact with Earth’s biological and geological systems . This widespread field covers an array of issues from air pollution and housing development, to hazardous waste cleanup. Environmental lawyers work to ensure that organizations and corporations comply with the rules and regulations set forth by the government. They also fight against practices that may negatively impact the environment. Keep reading to learn more about the environmental lawyer.

What do lawyers do during disasters?

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. These organizations may need to know the best practices for dealing with disaster relief or how to properly dispose of hazardous waste.

What are the issues that are addressed by the laws?

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

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.

Is there a charge for a lawyer consultation?

These consultations are often done at no charge. During the meeting, you can ask questions about the attorney’s experience, track record, special skills, and fees. The lawyer’s experience should be compatible with your legal needs and they should have the skills needed to properly handle your case.

Why are environmental lawyers considered specialists?

But, in many ways, environmental law attorneys are "specialists" because of their focus on geological and biological systems. It isn't enough just to know laws. These lawyers need additional knowledge in science and biology to understand the impact humans have on the planet. They also need to understand:

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.

What degree do I need to become an attorney?

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.

Do environmental attorneys charge by the hour?

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 is an environmental lawyer?

Environmental lawyers specialize in environmental issues such as pollution, land use, air quality, wildlife protection and natural resource conservation. 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.

How much do lawyers make?

In 2018, the BLS reported that the average annual salary for all lawyers was $144,230. According to a January 2019 search at the DOJ, an attorney could earn between $91,468 and $140,733 per year.

How long does it take to become a lawyer?

Law school typically takes three years to complete beyond a 4-year bachelor's degree program.

What is the American Society of International Law?

The American Society of International Law (ASIL) provides a variety of continuing education and training programs ( www.asil.org ). In addition to public education for non-legal personnel, the ASIL's programs provide opportunities for legal professionals who may not have prior experience with international law.

Why is it important to have an environmental lawyer?

The input and experience of an environmental lawyer is crucial in designing, supporting, and auditing environmental compliance systems. Environmental lawyers often participate in the administrative process on the federal and state level to encourage sound rulemaking.

What is practice area law?

Environmental law involves an intricate matrix of federal and state public welfare statutes enacted to protect both human health and our natural resources. The economic and socio-geopolitical impact of these laws requires the practice of environmental law to continuously evolve.

What is an environmental lawyer?

An environmental lawyer is a professional who provides legal guidance to their clients about various environmental topics and issues, such as climate change, poor air and water quality, sustainability and waste management. Environmental lawyers provide counsel to their clients in court by compiling evidence and suggesting strategies to save energy.

Work environment for an environmental lawyer

Environmental lawyers typically work within law firms, private practices or government agencies. They may work in office environments to collaborate with other environmental lawyers and work alongside legal assistants and paralegals to prepare for cases. Environmental lawyers also spend much of their time in court when representing their clients.

Salary and job outlook for environmental lawyers

While there isn't a salary available specifically for an environmental lawyer, attorneys in the United States report making an average of $95,196 per year, although this can vary depending on your experience and the state where you practice.

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.

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.".

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 ...

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