How To Become An Environmental Lawyer

Environmental lawyers are important advocates to individuals, corporations, and government agencies, often acting as a mediator and providing counsel. When thinking about pursuing a career as an environmental lawyer, there are many things to consider. What are the educational requirements? How much do environmental lawyers make? How does a fresh graduate start out?

• What is an Environmental Lawyer?
• Key Tasks & Duties
• Work Environments
• Salaries
• Job Outlook & Growth Rate
• Educational Requirements
• Additional Certifications
• Related Degrees

Environmental Lawyer Fast Facts

Source: BLS, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Lawyers, May 2020

What is 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. A successful environmental lawyer will have many skills including research, analysis, negotiation, and both written and verbal communication.

What Do Environmental Lawyers Do?

What does an environmental lawyer do? The day in the life of an environmental lawyer can vary depending on the type of organization the lawyer works in. Environmental lawyers have many important responsibilities that range from research to meeting with clients to court proceedings. An environmental attorney may work with individuals, businesses, and government entities.

Junior Environmental Lawyer duties

An environmental lawyer job description typically includes the following responsibilities.

• Analyze data from findings, cases, trials, and other sources
• Advocate for environmental regulations and protections
• Create legal correspondence and other documentation
• Recommend corrective action and fines for offenders
• Effectively communicate how an event or plan may negatively impact humans or wildlife
• Provide counsel to clients
• Determine if there is enough evidence to represent a business, individual, or government agency
• Assess damages and impact from an event
• Interview clients and other people of interest to compile evidence to develop a case
• Effectively and persuasively present evidence and other findings at trial

Senior Environmental Lawyer duties

In addition to tasks handled by junior or mid-level environmental lawyers, senior lawyers may also be expected to handle the following responsibilities.

• • Provide legal advice and assistance to investigators during criminal investigations
  • Support and mentor junior environmental lawyers
  • Provide legal and policy counsel to corporations, agencies, and other entities
  • Act as a mediator between landowners and businesses or government agencies
  • Draft environmental policies and business practices
  • Validate written legal documentation
  • Organize and participate in educational campaigns and lobbying efforts
  • Create clear written communication to stakeholders and interested public parties
  • Consult and advise agencies, researchers, scientists, and individuals
  • Encourage public engagement by organizing environmental advocacy programs and forums

• State	Employment	Average Salary	Annual 10th percentile wage	Annual 90th percentile wage
  District of Columbia	31050	197100	106090	–
  California	84160	179470	79860	–
  New York	76660	174060	71690	–
  Massachusetts	18880	169120	65440	–
  Connecticut	7710	158190	73790	–
  Illinois	30440	153720	64390	–
  Virginia	16650	151970	68990	–
  New Jersey	21030	151550	69390	–
  Colorado	14680	148330	64940	–
  Texas	46340	142730	65360	–
  Utah	5500	141460	59360	–
  Arizona	10000	140520	59770	–
  Georgia	19550	140300	51400	–
  Maryland	12520	139610	64720	–
  Florida	47010	139160	52020	–
  Pennsylvania	25070	139120	57160	–
  Rhode Island	1810	134370	70760	–
  North Carolina	14330	132190	54470	–
  Washington	13030	131530	62600	–
  Minnesota	11520	131460	61390	–
  New Hampshire	1970	129590	60310	–
  Nevada	4560	129480	77550	194790
  Ohio	17570	128170	52860	–
  Oregon	6550	128160	54650	–
  Virgin Islands	190	126780	81310	197410
  Wisconsin	8280	124410	56750	–
  Iowa	3180	122400	52440	–
  Oklahoma	6890	122040	55410	–
  Tennessee	7810	121790	61060	–
  Alabama	6240	121130	48530	–
  Michigan	13790	119150	59070	187770
  Nebraska	2640	118070	58520	187710
  Kansas	3580	117910	49280	–
  Indiana	8090	117820	52840	–
  Alaska	1020	116440	71990	169200
  Hawaii	1910	114520	65620	170700
  South Carolina	6650	114320	31100	–
  North Dakota	1180	113480	58550	189830
  Louisiana	8180	112190	53210	197980
  South Dakota	890	111930	60580	186070
  Missouri	10650	111020	48890	197590
  West Virginia	2540	109290	54520	173310
  Idaho	2290	108470	56890	191270
  New Mexico	3660	107700	59630	182710
  Kentucky	5770	105130	47900	193590
  Wyoming	880	102810	56460	164500
  Vermont	1110	100950	55900	168710
  Guam	150	100740	57950	147490
  Maine	1930	98980	54420	170810
  Arkansas	2940	94800	35100	165350
  Mississippi	2970	93380	20720	168500
  Montana	1870	93220	47020	148690
  Puerto Rico	2920	69350	35710	124690
  Delaware	2630	–	–	–

  Environmental Lawyer Education Requirements

  How long does it take to become an environmental lawyer? It typically takes about 7 years to become an environmental lawyer. Educational environmental lawyer requirements include a bachelor’s degree and a law degree, typically a Juris Doctor (JD).

  Upon graduating, the bar exam must be completed successfully. Those seeking a more senior or specialized role after graduating from law school may consider a post-graduate program.

  High School Recommendations

  High school students interested in pursuing a career in environmental law may consider taking an elective course in ecology or environmental science. Some programs may offer or even require an externship where students can gain hands-on experience in the field.

  Undergraduate Environmental Law Programs

  A bachelor’s degree is required in order to be admitted into law school. There isn’t a specific program of study that is required, however, students may consider seeking a degree in environmental policy, environmental science, business management, or government.

  Programs pertaining to these subjects may help students as they apply to the best environmental law schools. Schools for environmental careers can be a great place to develop an understanding of topics like environmental justice, energy and the environment, and environmental and natural resources.

  Postgraduate Environmental Law Programs

  After completing a 4-year bachelor’s degree program, aspiring environmental lawyers must go to law school. It typically takes three years to complete law school and receive a Juris Doctor (JD). Often, entry to the top law schools will also require passing a law school admission test.

  Post-graduate students may consider continuing their education to receive a Masters of Law, Masters of Environmental Law, or a Ph.D. Masters or doctorate programs to consider include oil and gas law, land use, and air quality control. Environmental lawyers with a master’s or doctor’s degree often receive higher pay and may be eligible for senior-level positions.

  Additional Certifications

  In addition to a degree, the completion of the LSAT and bar exam are required environmental lawyer qualifications. The LSAT is an exam that takes half a day to complete. It tests critical thinking and reasoning skills. A passing score is required to be accepted into law school.

  After completing law school, lawyers must become licensed. To become licensed, the state bar exam must be passed. The format of the bar exam varies by state. There are many prep courses and resources that students can use to prepare.

  Work Experience for Environmental Lawyers

  Many companies hire environmental lawyers with at least 5 years of work experience. Experience working in a government agency is preferred by many organizations. Environmental lawyers starting out can gain experience from internships or by joining a private practice. Others find employment at non-profits or government agencies.