Environmental Law Concentration

Environmental law has grown exponentially in the California employment market as well as in other areas in the nation. During the last three years, the State Bar’s California Lawyer magazine has listed the field as one of the top five legal specialties for placement opportunities.

Beginning in Fall, 2013, Coastkeeper and Whittier Law School are collaborating in a new Environmental Water Law Clinic, allowing students to gain live litigation experience regarding the restoration of the Santa Ana River watershed.

The Environmental Law concentration prepares graduates for practice with government agencies, nonprofit organizations and private firms. Courses are taught by faculty with in-depth experience in the field of environmental law.

To earn a concentration, students must fulfill the following requirements.

1. Required core courses for the Environmental Law Concentration

  • Environmental Law (3 units)
  • Administrative Law (3 units) OR California Environmental Law (2 units)

2. Nine units from the following:

  • Administrative Law (if not taken as a required course)
  • Animal Law
  • California Environmental Law (if not taken as a required course)
  • California Environmental Negotiation Competition
  • Energy Law
  • Environmental Enforcement
  • Environmental Justice
  • Environmental Law Water Clinic (6 units, 3 count towards concentration)
  • International Environmental Law Seminar
  • International and Comparative Animal Law
  • Natural Resources Seminar
  • Ocean and Coastal Environmental Law
  • Water Law and Policy Seminar
  • Externship (up to 3 units in placement approved by concentration supervisor)
  • Independent Study (up to 2 units approved by concentration supervisor)