Emory formalizes environmental law concentration at ‘pivotal moment’

Emory Law recently announced that this semester it launched a formal environmental law concentration, giving students a recognized credential in environmental law.  

Describing environmental law as “a rapidly expanding field that spans climate change, energy regulation, environmental justice, natural resources, and emerging pollutants,” the university said this concentration puts a formal credential on the program and signals to employers and students alike that Emory is among the very best places in the country to study environmental law. 

“Environmental law is at a pivotal moment. Climate, energy, and environmental justice issues are at the center of legal, policy, and business decisions across every sector. Emory Law graduates with this concentration will be equipped to lead,” according to Mindy Goldstein, director of Emory’s Environmental and Natural Resources Law Program. 

Goldstein said environmental law is showing up in a wide range of fields, including many areas of business and trade. “For example, international trade involves risks of investment where environmental standards may be different from US standards. It’s not an isolated area and it’s growing in importance and recognition. No matter what sector of law a student chooses, there is likely to be an environmental law component. A student who has this as part of his or her background is likely to be more attractive to potential employers.” 

According to Emory’s website, its environmental law program is already having an impact. “The program’s students are now shaping environmental law and policy throughout the country,” the website states. “They are practicing in nonprofit organizations, law firms, corporations, and government agencies, including working as environmental lawyers for law firms across the United States. We are proud to provide a thorough and first-rate education in environmental law that prepares students for a wide variety of areas.” 

Students who complete 12 credits across four course groups —foundations, core, experiential, and electives — while maintaining a 3.0 GPA will earn the designation “Environmental Law Concentration” on their official transcript. 

Goldstein said the environmental landscape is complex. “Standards may be becoming laxer in some areas and stricter in others. Furthermore, federal, state and local standards aren’t always in alignment,” she said. 

A ready example of relatively new environmental issues is the growth of data centers prompted by rapid increases in artificial intelligence applications, Goldstein said, noting, “These centers have environmental implications with regard to water, land, and power use.” 

The recognition formalizes offerings already at Emory, Goldstein explained. “We have the courses, and we have the faculty. This is a way of communicating to the outside world that students are being prepared in this field.” 

Goldstein said that Emory doesn’t prescribe which courses a law student must take beyond the basics, but the environmental law offerings are there for those who choose to pursue them. 

The concentration will be administered by Goldstein and Mark Nevitt, an associate professor of law, both nationally recognized environmental law scholars with deep environmental law experience, according to the announcement. 

Among the features that distinguish Emory’s program are The Turner Environmental Law Clinic, which gives students hands-on experience on real environmental law cases with real clients. “It’s one thing to say that a student has taken courses in environmental law, but real-world experience takes it to another level,” Goldstein said.  

Students in the Turner Environmental Law Clinic are placed in externship in 22 approved organizations, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Justice Environment and Natural Resources Division, Earthjustice, Southern Environmental Law Center, Southern Company, The Coca-Cola Company, and Chattahoochee Riverkeeper. 

Also distinguishing Emory’s environment law program are the Environmental Initiative, which provides scholarships and summer stipends to students committed to environmental law careers, and eight core courses, plus supplemental courses, spanning environmental doctrine through emerging fields, including climate change, energy law, and international environmental law, Goldstein said.