Environmental Law is a broad category of law that includes a wide range of topics and can lead to a number of very different career paths. We can divide the broad category into two subareas: pollution law and natural resources law. The former includes air, water, soil, and workplace pollution: rules meant to prevent polluters from imposing excessive harm on others or the earth. Natural resources law, on the other hand, is about fair allocation of limited natural resources, such as water, land, and wildlife. Many problems in environmental law, such as global climate change, involve both pollution and allocation issues.
Careers in environmental law can be in private firms, corporations, non-profits, or government (local, state, or federal). In addition, within each of these areas, lawyers can take on a variety of roles, e.g., litigation, policy analysis, or lobbying.
We offer a wide range of relevant courses. Not every course is offered regularly, and to be a well-rounded lawyer you should take many other courses as well.
- Administrative Law
- Beach Law Seminar
- Climate Change Seminar
- Coastal Law
- Energy Law
- Environmental Law and Policy
- Environmental Law of Natural Resources
- Environmental Law of South Carolina
- International Environmental Law
- Land Use Planning
- Water Law
In addition to our JD program, we also offer several combination degree options. Students can enroll in a JD/MEERM (Masters in Earth and Environmental Resource Management) or a JD/MPA (Masters in Public Administration) program. In addition, we offer a dual degree program with Vermont Law School that allows students to receive a certificate in Environmental Law.
Select placements in the Administrative Law and Public Interest externships involve environmental law.
Relevant student organizations include:
- Environmental Law Society
- Student Animal Legal Defense Fund
These (and other) faculty and staff may be available to advise you, supervise your own legal research ("SLR"), or hire you as a research assistant. Learn about them through their biographies, and then consider reaching out.
- SC Bar Environment and Natural Resources Section
- SC Bar Committee on Animal Law
- Related areas include Real Estate Law, Civil and Constitutional Rights, and Litigation