How to Become an Environmental Lawyer

Environmental lawyers are gaining job placement in today's "Green conscious" climate, both on the industrial and conservationists ends. However, become an environmental lawyer can be a highly specialized and tricky field to become successful in without the right information. Follow these few steps to help you become an environmental lawyer.

Instructions

1. Research what law school you want to attend after completing your undergraduate degree. Apply to schools that have a solid reputation for teaching the latest and most comprehensive study on environmental law to help you become an environmental lawyer.

2. Locate an internship in a family law practice while still in law school if possible. Become active in environmental extracurricular clubs and groups to help deepen your understanding of environmental concerns.

3. Complete law school with high honors and awards. Boast a concentration and knowledge of environmental law practices in your curriculum vitae and begin searching for job opportunities with firms or organizations that have a stake in environmental concerns such as chemical companies, conservation agencies or private practice firms that represent these organizations.

4. Take any case which represents your personal convictions about the environment as this will aid in your zeal about representing the cause. Stay current in environmental news by subscribing to an environmental law journal or taking part in a research board for environmental laws and statutes.

5. Make a name for yourself by accumulating an impressive rap sheet of cases, no matter how small. Stay active in your community, state and federal circuit of environmental lawyers.

Tips & Warnings

• Stay well versed in environmental policy changes and recent developments in laws both international and national.

• Look for jobs within fields where environmental representation is necessary such as chemical companies, waste management systems and industrial manufacturing. These industries will be your best bet in securing a good first position.

• Study extensively and correctly for the LSAT as this will be your ticket to getting into a school that suits your legal study needs. With law schools, the more prestigious the school, the easier it is to land a job. However, it may not always be the best educational source for your type of law.

• Do not take jobs that go against your personal philosophy on environmental concerns. It will inhibit your performance in representing the client. Environmental lawyers tend to work on a stricter code of ethics then some other sects of law.

Resources

• Visit the website for the Environmental Law Institute.
• Read more on International Environmental Law.
• Go to the Center for International Environmental Law.
• Compare the top environmental law schools.
• Search and apply for environmental jobs.