What Does an Environmental Lawyer Do?
Attorneys help individuals resolve legal problems. An attorney's job tasks may include researching laws, drafting legal documents, arguing a client's case before courts, and negotiating settlement terms. An environmental lawyer is an attorney who focuses his/her legal practice on handling environmental law issues.
Some of the duties of an environmental lawyer include:
- Analyzing and interpreting data
- Representing clients in civil and criminal cases
- Advising clients on environmental regulations and laws
- Providing expert testimony in environmental cases
- Researching, preparing and presenting cases
- Producing legal correspondence
Work Environment
Lawyers, including those who specialize in environmental law, work in office settings, though some travel may be required to meet with clients or, in the case of environmental cases, see sites in question. They generally work at least 40 hours per week or more as their workloads demand. Lawyers need a variety of skills, including critical thinking, analytical reasoning, negotiation skills, research and writing skills. In addition, an environmental lawyer will need an understanding of and the ability to interpret current environmental laws and regulations.
How Much Money Do Environmental Lawyers Make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, lawyers in general made a mean annual wage of $145,300, which is a mean hourly wage of $69.86 as of May 2019. How much do environmental lawyers make? According to ZipRecruiter, the salaries for environmental lawyers range from a low of $19,000 to a high of $151,000 based on data from employer postings and third-party data sources, including ADP. Based on their data, the average salary for an environmental lawyer in 2020 is $74,569, which is an hourly wage of $35.85.
Many environmental lawyers work for non-profit organizations or other causes, which can lessen one's potential salary. The average salary of environmental lawyers will vary depending on the state or city that they are working in. Other factors affecting salary include:
- Level of experience
- Level of education
- Certifications
- Employer (non-profit, governmental agency, private law firm, business, self-employed)
What Is the Outlook for an Environmental Law Career?
The projected growth for employment for all types of lawyers from 2019 to 2029 is anticipated to be four percent, which is the average for all occupations. If you are interested in an environmental law career, the outlook is good, as there will be a continued need for environmental lawyers as new regulations and laws are developed and implemented.
| Degree Level | Juris Doctor (J.D.) |
| Licensure | All states require licensure for lawyers |
| Key Skills | Critical thinking, analytical reasoning, negotiation, research, and writing skills |
| Salary | $145,300 (2019 average for all lawyers) |
| Employment Projections | 4% growth (for all lawyers 2019-2029) |
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
How Can I Become an Environmental Lawyer?
An environmental lawyer is a lawyer who specializes in environmental law. They may be employed by governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, or a private law firm. A suggested step-by-step process to start a career as an environmental lawyer:
- Earn an Undergraduate Degree
- Take the LSAT
- Graduate from Law School
- Take the Bar Exam
- Find Work
- Consider Earning a Master of Laws
Earn an Undergraduate Degree
A bachelor's degree is a general requirement for admission to law school is a bachelor's degree. While there is no specific undergraduate field of study required, many law students have undergraduate degrees in economics, government, or history. Aspiring environmental lawyers may benefit from completing a bachelor's degree program focusing on environmental policy or environmental science. These programs typically provide instruction about conservation methods, pollution problems, and the impact of humans on the environment.
While an undergraduate, an aspiring environmental attorney will want to prepare for the Law School Admission Test or LSAT. Every law school requires applicants to submit LSAT scores. Usually, aspiring lawyers take this test during the junior year of undergraduate study. Some companies offer multi-week prep courses that provide test-taking techniques and familiarize students with the exam's format.
Take the LSAT
The LSAT is a half-day exam that tests an examinee's analytical reasoning, critical thinking, and reasoning skills. The LSAT score is an important factor in the law school admissions process.
Graduate from Law School
Law school can be attended on a full- or part-time basis. Generally, full-time programs require three years of study. During the first year, law students complete courses focusing on basic law subjects, such as tort, contract, property, and criminal law. During their second and third years of study, students complete elective courses and can participate in judicial internships or clinical experiences.
Some law schools allow students to concentrate their studies on environmental law or environmental policy. Courses in these concentrations might cover topics like federal regulation of hazardous waste, toxic torts, natural resource law, and coastal law policy.
If a law school doesn't offer a specific concentration in environmental law, aspiring environmental attorneys should take as many electives in the field as they can. These students should also try to complete an environmental law internship. These internships provide students with hands-on experience working in the field. Internships may be a component of the curriculum of an environmental law concentration.
Take the Bar Exam
Every state requires lawyers to be licensed. Earning licensure requires taking a state's bar exam, passing a professional responsibility exam, and being admitted to the state's bar association. Although the format of each state's bar exam differs, the exam might consist of multiple days of testing of both essay and multiple-choice questions. As with the LSAT, companies offer multi-week test prep courses that provide students with test taking techniques and provide instruction about the subjects of law tested on a state's exam.
Find Work
Private firms, companies, and government agencies hire environmental lawyers. Many times, companies and government agencies prefer to hire individuals with 5-7 years of work experience. Additionally, companies may prefer to hire individuals who previously worked for a government agency.
Consider Earning a Master of Laws
Some law schools offer a Master of Law (LL.M.) programs in environmental law and environmental and natural resources law to licensed attorneys. These programs might include courses in air pollution control, regulation of toxic substance risk, oil and gas law, wildlife law, and land use. Possessing advanced knowledge of the field may make it easier to work as an environmental lawyer.
In summary, an environmental attorney needs to earn an undergraduate degree, graduate from law school and pass a bar exam to earn state licensure. Earning a Master of Law could benefit an environmental attorney in his or her career.
