Top Environmental Law Schools

Vermont Law School has long been recognized as a leader in the field of environmental law, offering one of the most comprehensive and esteemed environmental law programs in the United States. The school’s commitment to environmental education is evident in the breadth and depth of its offerings, which include an LLM in Environmental Law, a Master of Environmental Law and Policy (MELP), a joint JD/MELP program, and numerous dual-degree options with prestigious institutions such as Cambridge, Yale, Thunderbird, Northeastern, and the University of Vermont. Vermont Law School has consistently been ranked as the top school for environmental law, claiming the No. 1 spot in the 2011 edition of America’s Best Graduate Schools by U.S. News & World Report. This is no accident; Vermont Law School has maintained the top position in environmental law for over two decades, having placed first 13 times since the ranking’s inception in 1991. The school’s success in this specialty can be attributed to its dedicated faculty, innovative programs, and commitment to addressing the pressing environmental challenges facing the world today.

The school’s environmental law program is known for being the largest and most comprehensive of any law school, providing students with a robust academic experience that covers a broad range of environmental topics. The LLM in Environmental Law is one of the premier programs of its kind, offering an advanced legal education with a focus on environmental issues. Similarly, the MELP degree is designed for students who want to pursue careers in environmental policy and regulation, combining legal education with a deep understanding of environmental science and policy-making. The joint JD/MELP program offers students the unique opportunity to gain both a law degree and an environmental policy degree, preparing them for careers that require a comprehensive understanding of both legal and policy frameworks. Vermont Law School also has dual-degree programs with prestigious institutions, enabling students to gain exposure to diverse legal and policy perspectives from around the world. These partnerships with institutions like Cambridge and Yale enhance the school’s global reach and provide students with unparalleled opportunities to build their professional networks.

Vermont Law School’s faculty is another key factor contributing to the school’s success in environmental law. The professors in the environmental law program are not only respected scholars but also active practitioners and policy advocates in the field. This allows students to benefit from a unique blend of academic rigor and practical expertise, providing them with the tools to navigate the complex legal and regulatory landscape of environmental law. The faculty’s research in areas such as climate change law, energy policy, and environmental justice ensures that students are exposed to cutting-edge legal issues and are prepared to address the environmental challenges of the future.

Berkeley Law, located at the University of California, Berkeley, is another top law school that has earned a reputation for its excellence in environmental law. Berkeley was one of the first major law schools to establish an environmental law program, and its commitment to this area of study remains strong to this day. The school’s environmental law program is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive and rigorous in the country. Berkeley Law offers students an extensive array of environmental law courses, seminars, and workshops, providing them with opportunities to explore a wide range of topics within the field. Students can study traditional areas of environmental law, such as clean air and water regulation, natural resources law, and land use, as well as emerging topics like climate change law and environmental justice.

One of the unique features of Berkeley Law’s environmental law program is its focus on international and comparative environmental law. As environmental issues increasingly transcend national borders, the need for legal professionals with expertise in international environmental law is greater than ever. Berkeley offers specialized courses in international environmental law, which cover topics such as international treaties and agreements, transboundary pollution, and global environmental governance. The program also encourages students to explore comparative environmental law, which allows them to analyze how different countries approach environmental protection and how international legal frameworks can help address global environmental challenges.

Berkeley’s environmental law program also provides students with the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning experiences. The school’s faculty includes some of the leading scholars and practitioners in the field, and students have the opportunity to collaborate with them on cutting-edge research. Berkeley Law also offers students the chance to participate in the Ecology Law Quarterly, the nation’s leading environmental law journal. By contributing to the journal, students gain valuable experience in legal writing and research while also helping to advance important discussions in the field of environmental law. In addition, Berkeley Law has a number of institutes and centers focused on environmental law and policy, such as the Center for Law, Energy & the Environment, which provides students with further opportunities to engage in research and policy work related to environmental issues.

Pace University School of Law, located in New York, is another law school with a highly regarded environmental law program. Rated in the top 4 nationally in the 2011 U.S. News & World Report guide, Pace has been a leader in environmental legal education since 1978. The school’s environmental law program is known for its innovative approach to legal education, offering students a rigorous curriculum that prepares them to tackle complex environmental issues in both the public and private sectors. Pace is particularly well-known for its work in environmental litigation, environmental justice, and regulatory law. The school’s faculty includes prominent scholars and practitioners in the field, and its graduates are highly sought after by law firms, government agencies, and environmental organizations.

Pace University School of Law’s environmental law program is unique in its emphasis on real-world experience. Students have numerous opportunities to engage in practical training through internships, externships, and clinical programs. The school’s Environmental Litigation Clinic allows students to gain hands-on experience representing clients in environmental cases, while the Environmental Law Review provides students with the opportunity to publish scholarly articles on cutting-edge environmental legal issues. In addition, Pace’s proximity to New York City gives students access to a wealth of legal and policy opportunities, as the city is home to numerous environmental law firms, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations focused on environmental protection.

Pace’s environmental law program is also known for its global focus, with students having the opportunity to study international environmental law and participate in global environmental initiatives. The school offers various opportunities for students to study abroad and engage with environmental legal issues on a global scale, enhancing their ability to work on international environmental matters.

The combination of a robust curriculum, esteemed faculty, and practical experience makes Pace University School of Law one of the top environmental law programs in the country. The school’s commitment to addressing the environmental challenges of the 21st century ensures that its graduates are well-prepared to make a meaningful impact in the field of environmental law.

In summary, Vermont Law School, Berkeley Law, and Pace University School of Law represent some of the best institutions in the United States for students seeking a career in environmental law. Each of these schools offers a unique combination of academic rigor, practical experience, and global perspectives that prepares students to address the complex and pressing environmental issues facing the world today. Whether through a comprehensive curriculum, hands-on learning opportunities, or a focus on cutting-edge research, these law schools are at the forefront of training the next generation of environmental legal professionals.

Best Law Schools Specialty Rankings: Environmental Law
1 Vermont Law School
2 Lewis & Clark College (Northwestern)
3 University of California--Berkeley
4 Pace University
5 Florida State University
6 Georgetown University
   University of Colorado--Boulder
8 Stanford University
   University of Oregon
10 New York University
     University of Maryland
Source: US News & World Report 2011