Scroll Top

Join thousands of law students - it's free

Guide to Practice Specialties

Related Articles

What is Environmental Law?

Terri Davlantes

Environmental law is the study of the body of law seeking to protect the natural environment, which may be impacted or endangered by human activities.  Environmental lawyers represent clients on a wide range of matters including air and water pollution, land use issues, park and wilderness preservation, transportation and agricultural issues.

A relatively new specialty, environmental lawyers work in many different settings — government, law firms, corporations and advocacy organizations.

(Q&A with Terri Davlantes, associated professor and vice dean of Florida Coastal School of Law)

How do people enter the field of environmental law?

People interested in entering the field of environmental law should attend a school that offers many environmental law courses and try to gain as much practical experience through extra-curricular activities as possible.  Additionally, attending a school that offers a Certificate in Environmental Law will allow the student an edge in marketing him/herself to potential employers by demonstrating a higher level of commitment to the practice area.

 

What is Public Interest Law?

Russell Jones

Many public interest lawyers are dedicated to a particular cause or agenda. Civil rights, women’s issues, gay and lesbian issues and homelessness and poverty are just a few. Many of their clients come from low-income households and are in need of divorce, custody and unemployment services among others. Public interest lawyers work for a broad range of employers, including non-profit public interest organizations, legal services and legal aid organizations, government entities and law firms.

(Q&A with Russell Jones, professor and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs at Southern University Law Center)

How do people enter the field of public interest law?

Generally, students with a passion for helping the disenfranchised and/or powerless will enter a career in public interest law. There are several public interest law firms, non-profit organizations and governmental entities that can give students a start in the field. Also, several law schools currently provide summer stipends to students who are interested in public interest law. These stipends allow students to work as interns in public interest firms or organizations. The summer arrangements give students a better insight of public interest job opportunities and what are the requirements for a public interest lawyer.

admin

admin

Digital Magazine
Newsletter Signup

Get unlimited access

Get a premium subscription to the National Jurist for less than $2 a month.