How to Be Environmental Lawyer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 13, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

As the world continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, environmental lawyers play a critical role in advocating for a cleaner and more sustainable planet. Environmental lawyers are tasked with researching and interpreting laws and regulations related to climate change, air and water quality, and species protection, as well as advising on potential legal action. They also work to ensure that businesses and individuals comply with environmental regulations, and may even sue on behalf of environmental organizations to protect natural habitats and ecosystems. Environmental lawyers are increasingly sought after as public awareness of climate change grows, and their efforts are essential to protecting our planet and its resources for future generations.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree. The first step to becoming an environmental lawyer is to get a four-year bachelors degree. Most students choose to major in a field such as political science, environmental science, or a related field.
Get Accepted to Law School. After completing a bachelors degree, the next step is to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), apply to law schools, and get accepted.
Earn a Law Degree. Once accepted, you must get a Juris Doctor (J. D. ) degree, which takes three years of full-time study. During this time, you should take courses that focus on environmental law and related topics.
Pass the Bar Exam. After graduating from law school, you must pass your states bar exam in order to practice law in that state.
Get Licensed. After passing the bar exam, you must get licensed by the state supreme court or other licensing body.
Gain Experience. Environmental law is a very specialized field and many employers prefer lawyers with experience in this area. Consider working as an intern or volunteer at an environmental organization to gain some hands-on experience.
Join Professional Organizations. Joining professional organizations such as the American Bar Association or the Environmental Law Institute can help you network and stay up-to-date on new developments in the field.

Environmental law is a complex and ever-changing area of law that seeks to protect the environment from harm. It is concerned with the protection of natural resources, regulation of toxic substances, and control of pollution. Environmental law affects every aspect of our lives, from the air we breathe to the food we eat.

As such, it is essential that environmental lawyers have a deep understanding of the law and its implications. To become a qualified environmental lawyer, aspiring legal professionals must complete an accredited law degree program and then pass the bar exam in the jurisdiction in which they plan to practice. environmental lawyers should stay current on legal changes in the field and strive for professional development opportunities to ensure they are equipped to handle the unique challenges that arise in this field.

You may want to check International Lawyer, Patent Lawyer, and Tax Lawyer for alternative.

Job Description

Environmental Litigation Attorney
Environmental Regulatory Attorney
Environmental Compliance Attorney
Environmental Policy Attorney
Environmental Transactions Attorney
Environmental Toxic Tort Attorney
Environmental Administrative Law Attorney
Environmental Health and Safety Attorney
Environmental Compliance Officer
Environmental Consultant

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of environmental legislation, regulations, and policies
Understanding of the scientific and economic principles of environmental protection
Familiarity with legal research techniques
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to interpret and analyze complex environmental issues
Proficient in using legal software and technology tools
Proficient in legal research techniques
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to think strategically and develop creative solutions
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Ability to think critically and objectively

Environmental law is an increasingly important field in which lawyers must possess a range of knowledge and skills to be successful. The most important skill for an environmental lawyer is an understanding of the legal framework that governs environmental matters, including both domestic and international laws. This knowledge will allow them to effectively advise their clients on the best course of action to take in a given situation.

environmental lawyers must have a comprehensive understanding of the scientific and technical aspects of environmental issues, since this information is essential for properly assessing risks and formulating legal strategies. Finally, environmental lawyers must possess strong communication and negotiation skills, as much of their work involves interacting with various stakeholders, such as government agencies, corporations, and advocacy groups. With these skills, environmental lawyers can help protect the environment and ensure that businesses and individuals are adhering to the proper regulations.

Admiralty/Maritime Lawyer, Employment Lawyer, and Litigation Lawyer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in environmental law?
What strategies do you use to ensure compliance with federal and state environmental law regulations?
How do you stay current on the latest developments in environmental law?
What challenges have you faced in environmental litigation or compliance and how did you address them?
What knowledge do you have of relevant environmental regulations, statutes and policies?
How have you successfully advocated for clients in environmental law cases?
Describe a time when you had to prioritize competing client demands in an environmental law case.
How do you handle difficult conversations with clients about environmental law solutions?
What strategies do you use to interpret and apply environmental regulations?
What experience do you have in developing creative solutions to environmental law issues?

Common Tools in Industry

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). A tool used to assess the potential impacts of an activity or project on the environment. (eg: A new mining project is required to have an EIA conducted in order to determine the effects it may have on the local environment. )
Environmental Regulations. A set of laws, policies, and standards that dictate how businesses, governments, and other organizations must behave in order to protect and preserve their local environment. (eg: All businesses operating in the US must comply with the Clean Air Act, which regulates emissions and air quality standards. )
Environmental Auditing. A tool used to assess the environmental performance of an organization or business and to identify areas of improvement. (eg: An environmental audit is conducted at a factory to evaluate its water and energy consumption, waste management practices, and other environmental performance metrics. )
Environmental Risk Assessment. A tool used to evaluate risks associated with an activity or project, such as potential health effects or ecological impacts. (eg: Before a new chemical is released into the environment, an environmental risk assessment is conducted to determine the potential impacts it may have on human health and the environment. )
International Law. A tool used to ensure compliance with global environmental standards and agreements. (eg: The Paris Climate Agreement is an international law that seeks to limit global temperature rise by reducing emissions from participating countries. )

Professional Organizations to Know

American Bar Association's Section of Environment, Energy and Resources
Environmental Law Institute
The National Environmental Law Center
Earthjustice
Natural Resources Defense Council
Environmental Integrity Project
American College of Environmental Lawyers
American Association for Justice
International Association for Environmental Law
International Union for Conservation of Nature

We also have Construction Lawyer, Real Estate Lawyer, and Business Lawyer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A government agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment by enforcing national environmental laws.
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). A document that describes the potential environmental impacts of a project or action.
Clean Air Act (CAA). A federal law that sets standards for air quality and controls emissions from stationary and mobile sources.
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). A federal law that regulates the manufacture, import, export, use, and disposal of toxic chemicals.
Endangered Species Act (ESA). A federal law that protects species from becoming extinct, as well as their habitats.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). A federal law that requires all federal agencies to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) before taking any major actions that could significantly affect the environment.
Superfund. A federal law that authorizes the EPA to clean up hazardous waste sites and hold those responsible for the contamination liable for the costs.
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). A federal law that sets standards for the management of hazardous and non-hazardous waste.
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). A federal law that provides funds and authority to clean up hazardous waste sites and holds responsible parties liable for any resulting damages or losses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Environmental Lawyer?

An Environmental Lawyer is a lawyer who specializes in laws and regulations that are related to the environment.

What types of cases does an Environmental Lawyer handle?

An Environmental Lawyer typically handles cases involving pollution, hazardous waste, climate change, water rights, air quality, and land use.

What type of degree is required to become an Environmental Lawyer?

In order to become an Environmental Lawyer, a person must hold a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.

What type of professional organizations support Environmental Lawyers?

Professional organizations that support Environmental Lawyers include the American Bar Association's Environment, Energy, and Resources Section, the American Association of Professional Landmen, and the National Association of Environmental Law Societies.