Environmental Law-Best Law Schools

In 2009, the US News Law Specialty Rankings for Environmental Law showcased some of the country's leading institutions that offer exceptional programs in this critical field. The rankings highlighted a mix of established schools and specialized institutions that have become prominent for their environmental law offerings.

1. Lewis & Clark College (Northwestern)

Position: 1st

Lewis & Clark College, located in Portland, Oregon, clinched the top spot for Environmental Law in the 2009 rankings. Known for its specialized programs and strong commitment to environmental stewardship, Lewis & Clark’s Northwestern School of Law has consistently been a leader in training lawyers who focus on environmental issues.

The school’s Environmental and Natural Resources Law Program (ENRLP) is one of the most prestigious and comprehensive in the nation. The program offers a unique combination of legal education, hands-on experience, and a deep connection to environmental issues. Lewis & Clark is ideally situated in the Pacific Northwest, a region known for its progressive environmental policies, making it a perfect place for aspiring environmental attorneys. The school’s curriculum covers a wide array of subjects, including natural resources law, environmental litigation, and climate change law, with a focus on practical skills and real-world challenges.

Additionally, the law school’s location allows students to participate in clinics and internships with government agencies, NGOs, and private firms that specialize in environmental law. The school also offers dual-degree programs in law and environmental management, enabling students to gain expertise in both legal and environmental sciences.

2. Vermont Law School

Position: 2nd

Vermont Law School, located in South Royalton, Vermont, secured the second spot on the US News Environmental Law rankings in 2009. Renowned for its dedication to environmental advocacy and sustainability, Vermont Law has long been a leader in training environmental lawyers who are committed to tackling the environmental challenges of our time.

Vermont Law School is particularly well known for its Environmental Law Center (ELC), which is one of the oldest and most prestigious environmental law programs in the country. The center offers students a rigorous curriculum that combines theory with practical experience, focusing on subjects such as energy law, international environmental law, water law, and environmental justice. The school has strong ties to environmental organizations, government agencies, and policy think tanks, providing students with ample opportunities for internships, externships, and pro bono work.

One of Vermont Law’s standout features is its emphasis on interdisciplinary learning. The school encourages students to engage with a variety of subjects, from environmental science to policy studies, which gives graduates a holistic understanding of environmental issues. In addition, the school’s strong alumni network and its role as a hub for environmental litigation and policy advocacy in New England makes it an attractive choice for prospective environmental lawyers.

3. Pace University
Position: 3rd

Pace University School of Law, located in White Plains, New York, claimed the third position in the 2009 Environmental Law rankings. Pace’s Environmental Law Program is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious in the United States, with a robust curriculum that covers a wide range of environmental issues, from land use and zoning to climate change and sustainable development.

Pace Law School has a strong reputation for its focus on public interest law and environmental justice. Its Environmental Litigation Clinic is a standout feature of the program, giving students hands-on experience in environmental law through litigation and advocacy on behalf of nonprofit organizations and other public interest groups. Additionally, Pace’s Advanced Certificate in Environmental Law offers specialized training in key areas of the field, such as renewable energy, environmental regulation, and international environmental law.

Another significant feature of Pace’s environmental law program is its location in the New York metropolitan area. The proximity to government agencies, international organizations, environmental advocacy groups, and large law firms provides students with unparalleled opportunities for networking and career development. Pace’s alumni base is also notable for its large number of successful environmental attorneys working in both public and private sectors.

4. Georgetown University
Position: 4th

Georgetown University Law Center, located in Washington, D.C., is another top contender in the environmental law field. In 2009, it ranked 4th in the US News Environmental Law specialty rankings, a position it continues to hold in subsequent years. Georgetown’s Environmental Law and Policy Program is highly regarded, offering students a comprehensive education in the environmental and regulatory aspects of legal practice.

One of Georgetown’s strengths lies in its ability to offer access to policymakers, regulators, and legal professionals in Washington, D.C. Through internships with government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Justice, and the Department of the Interior, students gain invaluable exposure to the governmental side of environmental law. Georgetown also offers students the opportunity to engage with environmental NGOs, corporations, and international organizations, many of which have a significant presence in the D.C. area.

Georgetown’s program includes specialized courses in environmental policy, international environmental law, climate change law, and energy regulation, as well as environmental litigation. Additionally, the school’s Green Law curriculum integrates environmental issues with broader legal and business concerns, preparing students to navigate the complexities of modern environmental challenges.

5. Duke University
Position: 5th

Duke University School of Law, located in Durham, North Carolina, rounded out the top five in the 2009 Environmental Law rankings. Known for its interdisciplinary approach to legal education, Duke offers a strong Environmental Law and Policy Program that combines legal training with expertise in science, policy, and economics.

Duke’s environmental law program emphasizes hands-on experience, allowing students to participate in the Environmental Law and Policy Clinic, where they work on real-world environmental issues. The clinic focuses on advocacy, litigation, and policy analysis in areas such as environmental justice, sustainable development, and climate change. Duke also offers joint degree programs, such as a J.D./M.A. in Environmental Management, which provide students with a broader perspective on environmental issues.

Duke's location in the Southeast, an area with unique environmental challenges such as coastal preservation and land use, gives students the opportunity to engage with pressing regional issues while benefiting from the broader, national focus of the law school’s programs. With a strong network of alumni working in environmental law and policy, Duke provides graduates with substantial career prospects in both the private and public sectors. Law Specialty Rankings: Environmental Law

League Table 2009:
1 Lewis and Clark College (Northwestern)
2 Vermont Law School
3 Pace University
4 Georgetown University
5 Duke University
6 University of Colorado--Boulder
7 Stanford University
8 University of Maryland
9 University of Oregon
10 Florida State University

League Table 2005:
1. Vermont Law School
2. Lewis and Clark College (Northwestern) (OR)
3. Pace Univ (NY)
4. Tulane Univ (LA)
    Univ of Maryland
6. Georgetown Univ (DC)
7. George Washington Univ (DC)
    Univ of Colorado–Boulder
9. New York Univ
    Stanford Univ (CA)
11. Univ of California–Berkeley
12. Univ of Denver
13. Uni of Utah (S.J. Quinney)
14. Uni of Oregon
15. Duke Uni (NC)
      Uni of Washington
17. Uni of Florida (Levin)
18. Uni of Texas–Austin
19. Boston College
      Golden Gate Uni (CA)
21. Uni of California–Davis
      Uni of Houston

Source: US News & World Report

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