Take on the greatest challenges we are currently facing. Explore the intersection between law and sustainability and advocate for environmental justice.
Certificate within the JD Program
14
Salem Campus
Our courses are designed to prepare students to take on the ever-growing challenge of protecting the planet. Learn about legal frameworks and the role of lawyers in advocacy. Core and elective courses cover everything from writing requirements to energy law and natural resource law.
Learn about environmental law and policy in context. This class involves a series of simulations to expose you to the institutions, law, and policies that create our environmental regulatory systems. The simulations will provide both professional writing experiences and opportunities to engage in oral advocacy in litigation, transactional, and policy contexts.
Consider the role of law, policy, economics, and technical expertise. Explore how natural resources law and policy approaches the problem of nature conservation. Examine how environmental and natural resources law manages economic resources as well as legal doctrines that affect both conservation and economic resource utilization.
At Willamette, we are committed to preserving the planet for future generations. Our environmental law certificate will prepare you for a career fighting at the forefront of today’s most pressing challenges. Learn how the law can promote sustainability and protect natural resources.
Our faculty members have extensive experience in the legal field and have won awards for their service. They offer students expertise and connections that will help them elevate their career prospects. Learn from the best and prepare to advocate for environmental causes.
Professor Dobbins has a strong background in environmental law, having studied at Duke University's Law School and School of the Environment, where he served as editor-in-chief of the Duke Environmental Law and Policy Forum. He also worked as an attorney in the Environment Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, handling numerous appellate cases related to environmental issues.
Find ways to showcase your passion for sustainable development and environmental energy law. Get involved with student groups on campus to share your passion. Or, develop skills in legal research by joining one of our law journal programs. Discuss with peers how to change administrative laws to benefit the environment.
The Environmental Law Society promotes awareness and engagement with environmental issues. Members participate in events on-campus and in the community to influence the law, public policy, legislation, and justice.
The Animal Law Society offers JD students hands-on experience in lobbying, legal analysis, and conservation advocacy. Members engage in volunteer work, research projects, and networking to address animal welfare and environmental issues.
Students are required to complete a total of 14 course hours in addition to a capstone. Students can complete their capstone requirement in one of two ways: (1) complete the graduation writing requirement in a course that is both certificate-approved and GWR-approved; or (2) complete an experiential learning course that is both certificate-approved and experiential-learning-approved.
Only current students can apply to our certificate program. In their online application, students must attest to their academic good standing and provide a 250-word personal statement explaining why they wish to pursue their certificate. The director may cap the size of the program, based on advising capacity and capstone course availability. Please contact the Program Director for further information.
Willamette University