Environmental Lawyers

Protecting the environment through private property rights: is legislation the best solution? Environmental issues have high priority in the minds of the public as governments across the globe embrace Green initiatives. But is legislation the right solution? This panel will attempt to answer that question while exploring alternative means of protecting the environment through private property rights. Panelists: Albert Koehl Staff Lawyer, Ecojustice Elizabeth Brubaker Executive Director, Environmental Probe Research Foundation Ramani Nadarajah Counsel, Canadian Environmental Law Association For speaker biographies, visit our website. www.canadianconstitutionfoundation.ca

A clear and fully integrated exposition of the relevant laws, regulations and institutions, covering land, water and air. Takes into account UK law, including the 1995 Environment Act, and important recent cases such as the House of Lords decision in Cambridge Water, together with appropriate European Community directives and decisions. Integrates international agreements, and treaties and decisions of the Court of Justice of the European Community. The legal structure of environmental law is fully explained, taking account of the impact of recent scientific developments on the legal controls on pollution.

Environment and the Law: An Introduction for Environmental Scientists and Lawyers

Growing interest in the energy and resources sector means that many companies are seeking out employees with a strong interest in the environment, and a background and training in law. Issues of global warming, environmental control, climate change and the ever-growing green movement have made this an area of increasing focus and importance as it comes to the forefront of both political and personal consciences.

While it is a specific area of law, there are a number of different ways to enter this niche market, and different career paths to pursue. If you’re interested in a legal career in energy and resources, then consider these things as you map your career.

- Specialisation. Within energy and resource law there are a number of different areas for specialisation that can be matched to lawyers’ individual interests. Lawyers with a keen interest in the environment and climate change might be drawn to renewable energy law, for example, whereas mining law or laws regarding electricity generation and distribution might attract others.

- Global or local in nature. Energy and resource law is important on both a national and international level. It is now recognised that tackling environmental issues requires worldwide cooperation and efforts, and the negotiation of multilateral and bilateral agreements. As such it is helpful for involved lawyers to have expertise in international law. Environmental law, however, can also be far more localised in nature. Deciding on which platform and stage you would like to practice energy and resource law, therefore, will impact your choice of legal jobs.

- In-house positions vs. law firms. Due to the potentially sensitive and tricky nature of energy and resource law, lawyers specialising in this area are in demand from both energy and resource companies looking for in house representations, and law firms who practice this area of law. Often the choice between these two options comes down to personal preference, but it’s important to consider the pros and cons. For example, in-house lawyers often benefit from more relaxed working hours than those working in law firms. On the flip side, the possibility for career progression can be significantly lower.

As governments, businesses and individuals become more aware of environmental, energy and resource issues, the availability of energy law jobs is set to grow. Online job boards such as twosteps give a good overview of the scope and number of positions in this area available, to help lawyers determine which career path and area of expertise they would like to pursue.

Originally published here.