what does an environmental litigation attorney do

by Paula Dickens IV 3 min read

Environmental litigation attorneys work with individuals, businesses or organizations that are involved in litigation over environmental regulation. Environmental litigation cases include a wide variety of elements such as oil and chemical spills, toxic waste dumping, land development, natural resource usage, and wildlife protection.

What do Environmental Law lawyers do? An environmental lawyer works to represent clients in legal issues such as in clean technology, water law, climate change law and the management of land subject to native title and other public land. Environment laws are a large and complex specialty within the practice of law.

Full Answer

Should I become an environmental lawyer?

An environmental lawyer job description typically includes the following responsibilities. Analyze data from findings, cases, trials, and other sources. Advocate for environmental regulations and protections. Create legal correspondence and other documentation. Recommend corrective action and fines for offenders.

How do I become an environmental lawyer?

The purpose of an Environmental Lawyer is to work with environmental case law and legislation to represent various environmental interests. Environmental laws regulate and define the activities of humans upon the geological and biological systems that are affected by contact.

How to become an environmental attorney?

Environmental lawyers work in private law firms, government organizations, and public interest groups. In this career, your primary responsibilities are to make a positive impact on the environment and hold those who do not follow regulations accountable for their actions. You handle issues regarding species protections, hazardous waste disposal, agricultural pollution, …

What is the salary for an environmental attorney?

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Where do environmental lawyers make the most money?

San FranciscoThe average Environmental Lawyer in the US makes $181,586. Environmental Lawyers make the most in San Francisco at $270,894, averaging total compensation 49% greater than the US average.

How much does an environmental lawyer get?

How much does an environmental lawyer make a year? An environmental lawyer's average salary is about $148,910 per year. The salary can vary based on specialty, location, experience, and level of education.

Is being an environmental lawyer worth it?

Originally Answered: How viable is a career in environmental law? It is a very viable career but not a very profitable one until you get to be known nationally. Once you start handling cases of large pollution issues by major companies in class action suits, the pay scale is on the lower side.

Why are environmental lawyers important?

As you can see from the list above, environmental laws play a huge part in protecting humans, animals, resources, and habitats. Without these laws, there would be no regulations concerning pollution, contamination, hunting, or even response to disasters. Environmental law works to protect land, air, water, and soil.Mar 27, 2019

What type of lawyer makes the most money?

Types Of Lawyers That Make The Most MoneyMedical Lawyers – Average $138,431. Medical lawyers make one of the highest median wages in the legal field. ... Intellectual Property Attorneys – Average $128,913. ... Trial Attorneys – Average $97,158. ... Tax Attorneys – Average $101,204. ... Corporate Lawyers – $116,361.Dec 18, 2020

Is environmental law a good career?

Many of us might not be aware but environmental law is one of the careers in law that is being considered as a lucrative career. This law deals with laws and issues around green initiatives, waste management, sustainability strategies, bio-diversity, hazardous waste and alternative energy resources.Jan 25, 2019

Do environmental lawyers litigate?

On the federal level, environmental attorneys provide counsel to agencies, litigate cases on behalf of the government, and write legislation, regulations, and implementation standards.

Can environmental lawyers make a difference?

Can you make a difference as an environmental lawyer? Absolutely, but getting to a point of constructive impact takes discipline, commitment, and careful consideration of the ethical challenges with which this legal specialty is fraught—not to mention assessment of one's salary expectations.Nov 2, 2020

What are three major environmental laws?

In the 1970s, the United States government enacted the three major environmental laws: the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Toxic Substances Control Act.

What is the main function of environmental law?

The main job of environmental law is to protect human health as well as the environment. It is all about making balance. The role of the environment is to ensure that the practices used in the environment do not cause harm to the environment, human or animal health.

What are the 5 major environmental laws in the Philippines?

REPUBLIC ACT 9275 PHILIPPINE CLEAN WATER ACT OF 2004REPUBLIC ACT 8749 PHILIPPINE CLEAN AIR ACT OF 1999. ... REPUBLIC ACT 6969 TOXIC SUBSTANCES, HAZARDOUS AND NUCLEAR WASTE CONTROL ACT OF 1990. ... PRESIDENTIAL DECREE 1586 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS) STATEMENT OF 1978.

Why do environmental laws fail?

Environmental protection laws have often failed because they usually include certain problematic characteristics: they are anthropocentric, in that their goal is to protect and benefit humans, not the environment in which humans live; they assume human superiority and exceptionalism to nature and natural processes; ...

What Does An Environmental Lawyer do?

An environmental lawyer works to represent clients in legal issues such as in clean technology, water law, climate change law and the management of...

Where Does An Environmental Lawyer Work?

Depending on where an Environmental Lawyer works, the day to day duties of an Environmental Lawyer include meeting with clients, researching enviro...

What Is The Average Environmental Lawyer Salary?

The median salary range for an Environmental Lawyer is $113,530 per year or $54.58 per hour. Employment for Environmental Lawyers is growing at a r...

Environmental Lawyer Jobs & Job Description

1. Analyze and interpret data obtained from literature reviews, case law, criminal, civil and regulatory research, and sample findings 2. Interview...

What Degree Do I Need to Apply to Environmental Law Schools?

To practice as an Environmental Lawyer you will need to obtain a law degree commonly known as a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or a Juris Doctor (JD). The...

What Kind of Societies and Professional Organizations Do Environmental Lawyers have?

1. The Environmental Law Institute (ELI) is the professional organization for environmental lawyers globally. ELI's visions is for a “healthy envir...

What is the job of an environmental lawyer?

Environmental lawyers often work to ensure that businesses are following environmental regulations, though their major job duties often depend on where they work.

What are some organizations that work with government agencies?

Organizations such as the Environmental Law Institute, Greenpeace and the Alliance for Climate Protection work with government agencies and act as a watchdog for environmental protection. As a lawyer with one of these organizations, you research problems or incidents and litigate for the concerns of the organization.

What is an environmental lawyer?

Environmental lawyers are important advocates to individuals, corporations, and government agencies, often acting as a mediator and providing counsel. When thinking about pursuing a career as an environmental lawyer, there are many things to consider. What are the educational requirements?

What is the job description of an environmental lawyer?

An environmental lawyer job description typically includes the following responsibilities. Analyze data from findings, cases, trials, and other sources. Advocate for environmental regulations and protections. Create legal correspondence and other documentation. Recommend corrective action and fines for offenders.

How much does an environmental lawyer make?

How much does an environmental lawyer make a year? An environmental lawyer’s average salary is about $120,910 per year. The salary can vary based on location, experience, and level of education.

How many environmental lawyers will be added in 2028?

The demand for environmental lawyers is growing about as fast as average with a 6% growth expected over the next 10 years. Approximately 50,100 environmental lawyer jobs will be added by 2028.

What is the role of a mediator in a legal case?

Provide legal and policy counsel to corporations, agencies, and other entities. Act as a mediator between landowners and businesses or government agencies. Draft environmental policies and business practices. Validate written legal documentation. Organize and participate in educational campaigns and lobbying efforts.

How long does it take to become an environmental lawyer?

It typically takes about 7 years to become an environmental lawyer. Educational environmental lawyer requirements include a bachelor’s degree and a law degree, typically a Juris Doctor (JD). Upon graduating, the bar exam must be completed successfully.

What is the LSAT exam?

The LSAT is an exam that takes half a day to complete. It tests critical thinking and reasoning skills.

What is an environmental lawyer?

An environmental lawyer works to represent clients in legal issues such as in clean technology, water law, climate change law and the management of land subject to native title and other public land. Other areas of focus include environmental rights, international environmental law, law of the sea and international resources law.

How much does an environmental lawyer make?

What Is the Average Environmental Lawyer Salary? The median salary range for an Environmental Lawyer is $113,530 per year or $54.58 per hour. Employment for Environmental Lawyers is growing at a rate that is equivalent to the average growth for all occupations.

What is the purpose of environmental law?

The purpose of an Environmental Lawyer is to work with environmental case law and legislation to represent various environmental interests. Environmental laws regulate and define the activities of humans upon the geological and biological systems that are affected by contact. Issues such as ecology, sustainability, responsibility, ...

What is the environmental law institute?

The Environmental Law Institute (ELI) is the professional organization for environmental lawyers globally. ELI's visions is for a “healthy environment, prosperous economies, and vibrant communities founded on the rule of law”.

What is the NRDC?

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is an environmental action group combining the grassroots power of 1.4 million members including more than 350 lawyers, scientists and other professionals. The NRDC provide opportunities for environmental lawyers to engage in legal and political issues.

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Environmental Law Career Overview

  • Environmental lawyers may work for environmental advocacy organizations, non-profit organizations or the government. They can also go into private practice, doing consulting work or representing a range of clients in court. Environmental lawyers often work to ensure that businesses are following environmental regulations, though their major job duties often depen
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Private Companies

  • A diverse mix of private companies and industries utilize our natural resources and need the services of an environmental lawyer. Energy companies like coal, oil and natural gas and utility companies such as water, electricity and telecommunications hire environmental lawyers to guide them through legal issues involving regulatory compliance and litigation challenges. Agricultura…
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Government Agencies

  • Federal agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Justice employ environmental lawyers to advocate for a number of issues, such as regulations guided by the Clean Air Act with regard to manufacturing, energy companies, farming, construction and healthcare. You are responsible for getting these companies to adhere to regul…
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Non-Profit Organizations

  • Organizations such as the Environmental Law Institute, Greenpeace and the Alliance for Climate Protection work with government agencies and act as a watchdog for environmental protection. As a lawyer with one of these organizations, you research problems or incidents and litigate for the concerns of the organization.
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Environmental Lawyer Education Options and Licensure

  • All lawyers, including environmental lawyers, need to earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Applicants to law school need to hold a bachelor's degree and send in Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores. Some law schools offer certificate programs in general environmental law, climate change law, water resources law or energy that are completed during the JD curriculum. Also av…
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Employment Information

  • Though statistics regarding the environmental law job market aren't readily available, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicted that lawyers in general would have average employment growth of 4% between 2019 and 2029. Competition for available jobs is likely to be intense. Salary information for environmental lawyers is not available either. The BLS reported th…
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