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Environmental Law, Justice, and Sustainability Certificate

Take on the greatest challenges we are currently facing. Explore the intersection between law and sustainability and advocate for environmental justice.

A student taking notes on their laptop during a law class

Earn a Certificate in Environmental Law

Safeguard our planet for future generations. Work within the legal system to put sustainable practices into place. Learn how you can advocate for pollution control, renewable energy, and environmental protection. Build your career prospects with our environmental law certificate program. 

Why pursue a certificate in environmental law at Willamette?

  • Career advancement. Elevate your resume by adding a certificate in environmental law to your JD. This can help you stand out when building your career as a lawyer. 
  • Opportunities to get involved. Join a variety of student groups dealing with different aspects of law. Enhance your law school education by joining Environmental Law Society or any of our other on-campus groups. 
  • Specialized courses. Gain specialized knowledge related to environmental law and sustainability. Our program offers a wide range of core and elective courses to choose from. 

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Do you have questions about the Law programs at Willamette? Complete this form and we'll be in touch.

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Curriculum

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. Our program curriculum changes from semester to semester, so follow up with our program director for specific course information.

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Our Faculty

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.

View All Faculty and Staff

Our program director, 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.

Meet Dean Dobbins

Headshot of Jeffrey Dobbins

Ways to Get Involved with Environmental Law

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.

  • Environmental Law Society

    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.

  • Animal Law Society

    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.

Program Requirements

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.

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Admission Details

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.

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FAQs

Environmental law encompasses the laws and legal practices that aim to protect the natural environment. It includes legislation related to issues such as pollution control, natural resource management, and conservation efforts. Environmental law aims to balance economic development with ecological preservation, safeguarding natural resources for current and future generations.

There are a wide range of careers you can pursue with an environmental law degree. Some of them include: 

  • Environmental Attorney – Represent clients in legal matters related to environmental regulations and disputes. 
  • Compliance Officer – Ensure that organizations comply with environmental laws and regulations. 
  • Environmental Consultant – Provide expert advice on environmental issues and help businesses navigate legal requirements. 
  • Regulatory Affairs Specialist – Manage and influence policies and regulatory processes related to environmental protection. 
  • Policy Analyst – Research and analyze environmental policies, and contribute to policy development and reform. 
  • Environmental Advocate – Work with non-profits or advocacy groups to promote environmental protection and sustainability. 
  • In-house Counsel for a Corporation – Advise a company on legal issues related to environmental compliance and risk management. 
  • Government Environmental Policy Advisor – Develop and implement policies at the local, state, or federal level. 
  • Environmental Litigation Specialist – Focus on legal cases involving environmental damage, contamination, or enforcement actions. 
  • Academic or Research Scholar – Conduct research and teach environmental law and policy at educational institutions.

Battling climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time. Environmental lawyers work to protect the environment, address global issues, and pursue environmental justice. By studying environmental law, you will prepare for a career that will allow you to make a difference.

Willamette University

School of Law