If you’re interested in a career that protects the environment, then you may want to consider becoming an environmental lawyer. There are a few things you need to know before you start this career path, such as education requirements and how to get the practice.
To become an environmental lawyer, you must first complete a bachelor’s degree program. These programs are usually in a variety of subjects, including biology, chemistry, English, political science, and environmental policy.
Education Requirements
If you are passionate about environmental protection and want to be a part of the solution, it’s possible to become an environmental lawyer. As a lawyer, you will be involved in the creation and interpretation of laws that regulate the environment.
As a lawyer, you will help people understand how to protect the planet’s natural resources and work to ensure that corporations and organizations adhere to environmental standards and policies. You will also represent clients in court and negotiate with companies to settle disputes over environmental issues.
The first step to becoming an environmental lawyer is obtaining a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. You can study a variety of subjects, including biology, political science, English, and environmental policy. After completing your undergraduate degree, you will enroll in law school to earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and pass the bar exam.
Bar Exam Requirements
In order to become an environmental lawyer, you must graduate from a law school and pass the bar exam. The bar exam is a standardized test that assesses your legal knowledge and skills.
To prepare for the bar exam, you should start by getting an undergraduate degree in law. Some universities have a pre-law advisor on staff who can help you decide what courses to take and what majors or minors to pursue in order to gain the necessary background for law school.
The next step is to apply to American Bar Association-approved law schools. The Texas Board of Law Examiners requires that you graduate from an ABA-accredited law school in order to be admitted to the bar in Texas.
While in law school, you can find internships with environmental law firms or nonprofit groups that align with your beliefs to gain practical experience before pursuing your career. Once you earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, you must then pass the bar exam to be licensed to practice law in Texas.
Work Setting
There are many potential work settings for an environmental lawyer, from law firms to government agencies. However, a few select firms have managed to carve out a niche in the industry by providing quality legal counsel with a high degree of customer satisfaction.
To stand out from the crowd, you may wish to consider a combination of education, experience and a hefty dose of ingenuity. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is a good start, but if you can afford it, the best option is to complete a master’s degree or more. Regardless of your educational choice, you’ll need to pass the bar exam in order to practice law. After you’ve done so, you’ll need to fill out your bar requisites and learn the ins and outs of the legal profession. Having a firm grasp on Texas law can help you get the job of your dreams.
To become an environmental lawyer, you’ll need to do your research and be ready for the challenge of the job. The best way to do that is to scour your local newspaper and website for any articles or listings on local firms seeking qualified candidates.
Salary
A career as an environmental lawyer can lead to a high salary. The average annual salary for this career is $148,910, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
An environmental attorney can work in a variety of settings and contexts, including government, law firms and nonprofit organizations. These attorneys help companies comply with environmental laws and draft business practices aimed at sustainability.
Job duties can include research, drafting and editing documents, writing legal briefs, defending cases in court, and developing strategies for clients. Specific responsibilities depend on the client, job setting and level of experience.
To become an environmental lawyer, you need to obtain a degree in law and pass a bar exam. You can also gain experience through internships and entry-level positions.
