Gavin Howe
Environmental law is a dynamic and rewarding career, offering a range of opportunities to make a positive impact on the world. From addressing specific environmental challenges to championing broad-scale changes, environmental lawyers play a critical role in protecting our planet. The job search process, however, differs from traditional legal roles. It demands proactive research, strategic planning, and a strong network. This career path is particularly suited to those with a demonstrated commitment to public interest work and a passion for advancing the public good. Environmental lawyers may find themselves working in legal services, government, nonprofits, law firms, or corporate counsel, with the highest-paying jobs typically found in the federal government.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Job opportunities | Legal services, federal government, energy producers, manufacturers, commercial developers, conservancy groups, law firms, public utility commissions, advocacy groups, local government work as a consultant |
| Skills required | Litigation, environmental science, cleanup, compliance, permitting, assessments, remediation |
| Salary | The 2022 median annual salary for lawyers was $135,740. Entry-level positions are around $38,250, while nonprofit positions are in the $40k-$65k range |
| Job search strategy | Aggressive research, planning, and networking |
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What You'll Learn
- Environmental law jobs are found in legal services, energy companies, manufacturing, and commercial development
- The highest-paying jobs are in the federal government
- Environmental lawyers can work for conservancy groups, law firms, public utility commissions, and advocacy groups
- The job search process demands aggressive research, planning, and networking
- Environmental law is different from other areas of law, so it's good to be someone who likes to learn and take on challenges
Environmental law jobs are found in legal services, energy companies, manufacturing, and commercial development
Environmental law jobs are diverse and can be found in various sectors, including legal services, energy companies, manufacturing, and commercial development.
Legal Services
Legal services is a broad category that encompasses various types of organizations offering legal advice, representation, and assistance. Environmental lawyers working in legal services may be employed by law firms, non-profit organizations, or government agencies. They may provide counsel to individuals, community groups, corporations, or government bodies on a wide range of environmental issues, such as water quality, land use, and regulatory compliance.
Energy Companies
Energy producers, including renewable energy companies and traditional energy providers, often require the expertise of environmental lawyers. In this sector, environmental attorneys ensure that energy companies comply with environmental regulations and permits. They may also provide legal support for due diligence, land campaigns, acquisitions, and construction projects.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing companies, particularly those with a significant environmental impact, may employ environmental lawyers to ensure regulatory compliance. These lawyers help manufacturers navigate complex environmental laws and regulations, draft and negotiate commercial agreements, and manage real estate and environmental matters.
Commercial Development
Commercial developers often seek legal counsel from environmental lawyers to ensure their projects comply with environmental laws and regulations. Environmental attorneys in this field assist with real estate-related agreements, land use, zoning, and entitlement issues. They help developers navigate the complex web of environmental regulations to ensure their projects are legally sound and environmentally responsible.
While environmental law jobs can be found in these four sectors, the job search process often requires proactive research, planning, and networking. Environmental law is a competitive field, and demonstrating a commitment to public interest work or having prior experience in regulated industries can set candidates apart.
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The highest-paying jobs are in the federal government
Environmental law is a dynamic field that offers a range of career opportunities. While most environmental law jobs are found in legal services, the highest-paying jobs are indeed in the federal government. The 2022 median annual salary for lawyers was $135,740, showcasing the financial attractiveness of federal government positions in this field.
Federal government agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Air Force, the National Security Agency, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, actively recruit environmental lawyers. These lawyers play a crucial role in addressing issues that impact the environment and public health. For instance, they may serve as staff attorneys, representing their agency in court and enforcing environmental regulations. Alternatively, they might work with a legislative body, advising legislators and shaping policies that have environmental implications.
Outside of the federal government, environmental lawyers are in high demand across various sectors. Energy producers, manufacturers, and commercial developers often require legal counsel with expertise in environmental law. In these roles, lawyers navigate regulatory compliance, land use, and environmental impact assessments. Conservancy groups also benefit from the expertise of environmental attorneys, who provide policy analysis, develop advocacy goals, and educate governmental agencies.
Additionally, law firms, both large and small, may employ associates specializing in environmental law to assist their clients in complying with environmental regulations. Public utility commissions utilize environmental attorneys to evaluate utility applications, provide legal counsel, and shape utility regulation. Advocacy groups, such as the Sierra Club Environmental Law Program, seek associate attorneys to coordinate legal efforts and drive environmental justice initiatives.
When pursuing a career in environmental law, it's important to recognize that the job search process can be demanding. It requires proactive research, strategic planning, and effective networking. Building credentials, credibility, and expertise in the field is essential, and demonstrating a commitment to public interest work is highly valued by employers in the public sector.
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Environmental lawyers can work for conservancy groups, law firms, public utility commissions, and advocacy groups
Environmental lawyers have a wide range of career options and can work in various sectors, including the public and private sectors. They can work for conservancy groups, law firms, public utility commissions, and advocacy groups.
Conservancy Groups
Environmental lawyers can work for conservancy or conservation groups, such as the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the Environmental Law and Policy Center. These organizations often focus exclusively on environmental issues and engage in a range of legal activities, including litigation, legislative advocacy, and community organizing. They may also offer fellowships to hire entry-level lawyers for time-limited positions, providing strong training and a flexible work environment.
Law Firms
Environmental lawyers can also work for private law firms, either as solo practitioners or as part of a larger firm. This option often involves working with clients in the energy and natural resources sectors, such as oil and gas companies, on compliance, permitting, and remediation issues. Private firms may offer higher salaries and more resources than nonprofit organizations.
Public Utility Commissions
Environmental lawyers can work for public utility commissions or government agencies, such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). These lawyers advise on rulemaking and represent the agency in administrative litigation. They ensure that consumer products meet efficiency standards and protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of nuclear radiation.
Advocacy Groups
Environmental lawyers can also work for advocacy groups or nonprofit organizations, such as Earthjustice. These organizations often engage in legislative advocacy, public education, and community organizing to advance their environmental goals. Nonprofit jobs offer strong training, a relaxed office culture, and flexibility in scheduling. However, they may also involve lower salaries and require perseverance to advocate with limited resources against powerful forces.
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The job search process demands aggressive research, planning, and networking
The job search process for a career in environmental law demands aggressive research, planning, and networking.
Research is key to understanding the diverse range of opportunities in environmental law practice. It is a dynamic field with a wide range of potential employers, including government, nonprofits, law firms, and corporate counsel. Researching these different sectors and understanding the specific skills and credentials they require is essential. For example, a role in the public sector may require a demonstrated commitment to public interest work and advancing the public good.
Planning is also crucial to a successful job search in environmental law. This includes planning educational and extracurricular activities during law school to develop the necessary background and credentials for a career in environmental law. For instance, gaining prior experience in a regulated industry, regulatory body, or advocacy group can be advantageous. Additionally, planning and strategizing your job search by regularly checking job listings and staying informed about fellowship opportunities can increase your chances of finding the right position.
Networking is an integral part of the job search process in environmental law. Building connections and relationships within the field can open doors to various opportunities. Joining and actively participating in bar associations, such as the American Bar Association's Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources, can provide valuable networking opportunities. These associations often have special interest sections for environmental law practitioners, allowing you to connect with like-minded individuals and potential employers.
Furthermore, networking with advocacy organizations and private public interest law firms can be beneficial. These organizations sometimes fund their own fellowships to hire entry-level personnel, providing a foot in the door for aspiring environmental lawyers. Additionally, networking with colleagues in related fields, such as environmental science and engineering, can also expand your network and provide valuable insights into the job market.
Overall, a proactive approach to research, planning, and networking will enhance your job search process and increase your chances of finding a fulfilling career in environmental law.
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Environmental law is different from other areas of law, so it's good to be someone who likes to learn and take on challenges
Environmental law is a dynamic and challenging field that differs from other areas of law. It requires a unique set of skills and knowledge, making it an attractive career choice for those who embrace challenges and have a passion for learning.
One key difference is the diverse range of backgrounds that environmental lawyers bring to the table. Some lawyers have a strong foundation in environmental science, including environmental engineering, while others specialize in litigation. This blend of scientific and legal expertise is not commonly found in other legal disciplines. For instance, an environmental lawyer might need to understand the scientific intricacies of cleanup operations and also possess the legal acumen to navigate lawsuits and compliance issues.
The nature of the work in environmental law is also distinct. Environmental lawyers often find themselves at the forefront of addressing pressing environmental challenges, such as water quality issues, land use, and nuclear waste management. They may counsel municipalities, manufacturers, or developers on minimizing their environmental footprint, which involves a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and advocacy.
Additionally, the job search process for environmental law positions can be quite different. While there are opportunities in the public sector, it often demands proactive research, strategic planning, and a strong network. Public interest employers, such as advocacy organizations and government bodies, seek candidates with a demonstrated commitment to serving the public good. They highly value previous public interest work and a genuine passion for environmental causes.
Furthermore, environmental law jobs can be found in a variety of settings, including legal services, energy producers, manufacturers, commercial developers, conservancy groups, law firms, and public utility commissions. Each of these sectors presents unique challenges and opportunities for personal and professional growth, allowing environmental lawyers to continuously learn and adapt their skills.
Overall, the diverse nature of environmental law, the importance of interdisciplinary knowledge, and the dynamic job landscape make it an exciting and rewarding field for those who embrace challenges and are eager to learn and make a positive impact.
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Frequently asked questions
Some of the best environmental law jobs include working for energy producers, manufacturers, commercial developers, conservancy groups, law firms, public utility commissions, advocacy groups, and government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency or the National Park Service.
The first step is to obtain a JD degree from an ABA-accredited law school, then take the bar exam. You can also earn an advanced degree, such as a one-year Master of Laws (LLM) in Environmental Law, to strengthen your knowledge in the field. The next step is to start applying to jobs and preparing for common lawyer interview questions.
It is important to be aggressive in pursuing opportunities and be flexible with hours, credit, and pay. Substantive experience can help set you apart from other applicants, so it is beneficial to take on internships and other work experiences to broaden your professional network. Networking is key to finding positions in environmental law.
The highest-paying environmental law jobs are in the federal government. The average salary for an environmental lawyer in the US is $181,586, but this varies depending on location, years of experience, and level of education. For example, environmental lawyers in San Francisco make an average of $270,894.
