Environmental lawyers work at the intersection of legal practice and environmental protection, representing clients in matters involving clean air and water regulations, hazardous waste management, species protection, and climate change policy. They practice in government agencies, private law firms, nonprofit organizations, and corporate legal departments. The median salary for lawyers is $151,160 as of May 2024 (most recent available data), with environmental law specialists finding growing opportunities as sustainability becomes a global priority.
Environmental law sits at the intersection of legal practice and environmental protection, covering everything from clean water regulations to climate change policy. If you're passionate about using legal frameworks to protect the planet, this career path offers diverse opportunities across government, private practice, and advocacy organizations.
As sustainability becomes a global priority, lawyers who can advise clients on environmental compliance, green standards, and sustainability strategies are increasingly in demand. Climate change legislation, renewable energy development, and evolving environmental regulations continue to create legal work for environmental lawyers across multiple sectors.
What Does an Environmental Lawyer Do?
Environmental lawyers work in a specialized branch of law focused on regulations governing how human activities affect geological and biological systems. They represent clients in legal matters involving clean technology, water law, climate change policy, and land management subject to conservation protections. Other focus areas include environmental rights, international environmental law, law of the sea, and international resources law.
The field encompasses a broad range of issues, including water and air quality, hazardous waste disposal, species protection, agriculture, wetlands preservation, biodiversity, waste management, and alternative energy development. Environmental lawyers must understand highly technical material such as scientific data, environmental studies, and complex regulatory frameworks to represent their clients' interests effectively.
The purpose of an environmental lawyer is to work with environmental case law and legislation to represent various environmental interests. These attorneys regulate and interpret activities that affect ecological systems, addressing issues of sustainability, responsibility, and stewardship through legal channels. Environmental lawyers can represent clients in environmental litigation, advocate for policy development, or contribute to academic discourse on environmental law.
Success in this field requires strong communication skills, both oral and in writing. The ability to persuade others is essential for winning court cases, but attorneys must also consolidate and present complex technical information effectively. Environmental lawyers serve as both legal advocates and technical translators, bridging the gap between scientific evidence and legal arguments.
Where Does an Environmental Lawyer Work?
Environmental lawyers practice primarily in offices but also regularly appear in courtrooms and teach in academia. Depending on their specific role, daily duties include meeting with clients, researching environmental legal developments, drafting legal documents, and educating the public and students about environmental law.
The profession spans three main sectors. Private law firms hire environmental lawyers to counsel corporations on regulatory compliance and represent them in litigation. Government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels employ environmental attorneys to enforce regulations, prosecute violations, and develop policy. Academic institutions and nonprofit organizations engage environmental lawyers for research, advocacy, and public education initiatives. The specific balance of courtroom versus office work varies by position and practice area.
Environmental lawyers often work long hours with schedules that flex according to case demands. Court appearances, client meetings, and filing deadlines create an unpredictable work rhythm. Since many environmental lawyers work within government agencies, cities with concentrations of federal and state offices-such as Washington D.C., state capitals, and major metropolitan areas-offer the most opportunities. Advocacy is a core component of the work, as environmental lawyers spend significant time presenting arguments in court and regulatory proceedings.
What Is the Average Environmental Lawyer Salary?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for lawyers was $151,160 as of May 2024 (most recent available BLS data). Environmental law specialists typically fall within this range, with variations based on sector, experience level, and geographic location.
Salary ranges vary significantly by experience and sector. Entry-level environmental lawyers in government positions often start between $60,000 and $80,000 annually, while those entering private practice at large firms may earn $100,000 to $160,000. Mid-career environmental lawyers with 5-10 years of experience typically earn $120,000 to $180,000, depending on their practice area and employer type. Senior environmental lawyers in private practice or leadership roles in government and nonprofits can earn $200,000 or more. These ranges reflect typical industry patterns rather than official government statistics.
Geographic location significantly affects compensation. Environmental lawyers in major legal markets such as New York, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles command higher salaries than those in smaller markets. The sector also matters: private law firms generally offer higher base salaries but more extended hours. At the same time, government and nonprofit positions provide better work-life balance, with lower starting pay but substantial benefits and pension plans.
As environmental consciousness grows globally and climate change drives new legislation, the market for specialized environmental legal expertise continues to expand. Lawyers with technical backgrounds in environmental science or policy, alongside their legal training, are particularly well-positioned for career advancement.
Job Outlook & Growth
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of lawyers to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. This translates to approximately 35,900 new lawyer positions over the decade. Within this broader legal market, environmental law represents a growing specialty area driven by increasing environmental regulation and corporate sustainability initiatives.
Several factors contribute to the demand for environmental lawyers. Climate change legislation at the federal, state, and international levels creates ongoing legal work. Renewable energy development requires legal expertise in permitting, land use, and regulatory compliance. Corporate environmental compliance needs grow as businesses face stricter reporting requirements and sustainability standards.
The transition to clean energy, debates over natural resource management, and evolving international environmental agreements all generate demand for legal expertise. Additionally, environmental justice movements and community advocacy around pollution and environmental health create opportunities in public interest law. While competition for environmental law positions remains strong, particularly in prestigious firms and federal agencies, lawyers with combined expertise in environmental science and law find favorable job prospects.
Environmental Lawyer Jobs & Job Description
Environmental lawyers work within environmental legislation and regulatory law, interpreting highly technical material including scientific data, environmental studies, and legal precedents. Their responsibilities vary significantly by employer and practice area, but several core duties are standard across most environmental law positions.
A primary responsibility involves analyzing and interpreting data from multiple sources, including scientific literature, case law, criminal and civil research, and environmental sampling results. Environmental lawyers regularly interview scientists and technical experts to understand data throughout the court process, helping these experts testify effectively and provide informed opinions to judges and juries.
When environmental damage occurs, lawyers assess the extent of harm and recommend appropriate remedial actions or monetary damages to stakeholders. They construct logical arguments grounded in evidence to convince judges and juries of legal culpability in environmental cases. Before proceeding with prosecution, environmental lawyers determine whether sufficient evidence exists that environmental regulations have been violated and whether prosecution serves the public interest.
Environmental lawyers participate extensively in pre-trial negotiations and discovery sessions, often representing corporations, government entities, or other organizations. They clarify both parties' rights, obligations, and duties under environmental regulations. A key skill involves explaining how specific environmental events or trends might impact ecosystems, regions, or human and animal populations, translating complex scientific concepts into legally relevant arguments.
Counseling forms another crucial responsibility. Environmental lawyers advise clients and organizations about their rights under current regulations and their compliance obligations. They analyze existing data, case law, and legal precedents, extrapolating from model data to interpret current situations and identify potential resolutions. Communication occurs across multiple forums-during court proceedings, in stakeholder meetings, and through written briefs-covering both specific environmental incidents and broad environmental trends.
Environmental lawyers act as both advisors and advocates in protecting the environment and natural resources. In criminal cases, they may represent clients facing charges for environmental infractions. Daily work includes drafting legal correspondence, compiling evidence, interviewing clients and witnesses, developing cases, and presenting them at trial.
Senior environmental lawyers often shoulder additional responsibilities in case management and collaboration. They promote effective work systems for challenging environmental cases and mentor junior team members. Senior attorneys frequently assist criminal, civil, and environmental investigators when suspected infractions are identified, and they provide regulatory and investigative agencies with legal and policy guidance.
Mediation represents another senior-level responsibility. Experienced environmental lawyers mediate agreements between landowners and governments, between industry participants, or among multiple stakeholders in complex environmental disputes. They advocate for public interest through lobbying and education campaigns, using clear communication to shape written information for internal and external audiences. Senior environmental lawyers provide consultation and legal advice to external agencies, professionals, individuals, and researchers. They ensure accuracy in written affidavits, testimonies, and reports, and they plan, organize, and participate in advocacy programs that engage the public on environmental issues.
Essential Skills & Qualifications
Environmental lawyers need a unique combination of legal expertise, scientific literacy, and advocacy skills. Strong analytical abilities are fundamental-environmental cases often hinge on interpreting complex scientific data and technical reports. Lawyers must understand environmental science concepts well enough to work effectively with expert witnesses and challenge opposing technical arguments.
Research skills are critical. Environmental law evolves rapidly as new regulations emerge and court precedents develop. Successful environmental lawyers stay current with legislative changes, recent court decisions, and emerging environmental issues. They must efficiently navigate legal databases, scientific literature, and regulatory documents to build compelling cases.
Communication skills matter enormously in environmental law. Attorneys must translate technical scientific concepts into persuasive legal arguments that judges, juries, and regulators can understand. Both oral advocacy in courtrooms and written briefs require clarity and precision. The ability to explain why an environmental regulation matters or how a specific pollutant affects ecosystems often determines case outcomes.
Negotiation and mediation abilities serve environmental lawyers well. Many environmental disputes settle outside courtrooms through negotiated agreements. Lawyers who can find common ground between conflicting interests-developers and conservationists, industry and regulators, or property owners and government agencies-provide tremendous value to clients.
Project management and attention to detail are essential practical skills. Environmental cases involve massive amounts of documentation: scientific studies, regulatory filings, correspondence, and legal briefs. Organizing this information efficiently and catching errors before they matter distinguishes effective environmental lawyers from mediocre ones.
What Degree Do I Need to Apply to Environmental Law Schools?
To practice as an environmental lawyer in the United States, you need to obtain a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. The JD is a graduate-level professional degree typically requiring three years of full-time study after completing a bachelor's degree. While law schools accept students from diverse undergraduate backgrounds, specific majors provide a strong foundation for environmental law.
Undergraduate degrees in environmental science, biology, chemistry, or related sciences provide technical knowledge that helps you understand the scientific issues underlying environmental cases. Degrees in environmental policy, political science, or public administration provide context for how environmental regulations develop and function. However, law schools also welcome applicants with backgrounds in economics, engineering, or liberal arts who demonstrate a strong interest in environmental issues.
During law school, you can focus on environmental law through several pathways. Many law schools offer environmental law concentrations or certificates that allow you to take multiple courses in environmental regulation, natural resources law, climate change law, and related subjects. Participating in environmental law clinics provides hands-on experience working on real cases under faculty supervision. Environmental law journals offer opportunities to research and write about cutting-edge environmental legal issues.
After earning your JD, you must pass your state's bar examination to practice law. The bar exam tests general legal knowledge, and while it includes some questions about various practice areas, you'll develop your environmental law expertise primarily through coursework, internships, and early career experiences rather than through the bar exam itself.
Advanced degrees can enhance your career in environmental law, but aren't required for practice. A Master of Laws (LLM) in ecological law provides specialized knowledge. He can be particularly valuable to lawyers who didn't focus on environmental issues during their JD studies, or to those seeking academic positions. Some environmental lawyers pursue Master's degrees in Environmental Science, Public Policy, or related fields to deepen their technical expertise. A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in law or environmental fields is typically pursued by those seeking academic or high-level policy positions rather than traditional legal practice.
Learn more about pursuing an environmental policy degree as a complement to legal education.
Environmental Law - Related Degrees
What Kind of Societies and Professional Organizations Do Environmental Lawyers Have?
Environmental lawyers benefit from joining professional organizations that provide networking opportunities, continuing education, career development, and advocacy platforms. Several prominent organizations serve the environmental law community.
The Environmental Law Institute (ELI) stands as the premier professional organization for environmental lawyers globally. ELI's vision centers on "a healthy environment, prosperous economies, and vibrant communities founded on the rule of law." The organization fosters innovative, practical law and policy solutions that enable environmental lawyers to achieve environmental, economic, and social progress. Professionals join the ELI network through annual membership subscriptions, gaining access to publications, conferences, and professional development resources.
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is an environmental action organization that combines grassroots advocacy with the expertise of lawyers, scientists, and other environmental professionals. The NRDC provides opportunities for environmental lawyers to engage directly in legal and political advocacy on pressing environmental issues. Beyond professional engagement, the NRDC offers employment opportunities for lawyers committed to environmental protection through litigation and policy work.
The American Bar Association (ABA) serves as the national organization of lawyers in the United States, responsible for regulating professional standards and ethical codes. The ABA's mission statement emphasizes serving "equally our members, our profession and the public by defending liberty and delivering justice as the national representative of the legal profession." Within the ABA, the Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources provides focused resources for environmental lawyers. Annual ABA membership is required for practicing lawyers and includes access to continuing legal education, publications, and networking opportunities specific to environmental law.
Other Recommended Resources
- Center for International Environmental Law - Focuses on international environmental law and policy, particularly on the connection between environmental protection and human rights.
- Environmental Defense Fund - Combines legal advocacy with scientific and economic expertise to address environmental challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to specialize in environmental law in law school?
You don't need to specialize during law school, but taking environmental law courses and participating in related clinics or externships helps tremendously. Many successful environmental lawyers developed their expertise through early career positions after completing a general JD program. However, if you know you want to practice environmental law, taking advantage of environmental law concentrations, journals, and practical experiences during law school will give you a competitive advantage when seeking positions.
How competitive is environmental law as a field?
Environmental law is moderately to highly competitive, particularly for positions at prestigious law firms, federal agencies like the EPA, and well-known nonprofit organizations. The field attracts passionate individuals who care deeply about environmental protection, creating strong applicant pools. However, lawyers with technical backgrounds in environmental science or policy, relevant internship experience, and strong academic records find good opportunities. The growing focus on climate change and corporate sustainability is expanding opportunities, particularly in renewable energy law and corporate compliance.
Can I work in environmental law without a JD?
You cannot practice as a lawyer without a JD and bar admission, but you can work in environmental law-adjacent roles. Environmental policy analysts, compliance officers, regulatory specialists, and environmental consultants work on many of the same issues as environmental lawyers without needing law degrees. These positions typically require backgrounds in environmental science, policy, or related fields. Some people work in these roles before attending law school, gaining valuable experience that enhances their legal careers.
What's the difference between environmental law and environmental policy?
Environmental law focuses on the legal framework-regulations, statutes, case law, and enforcement mechanisms that govern environmental protection. Environmental lawyers represent clients in legal proceedings and advise on compliance with existing laws. Environmental policy focuses on developing new approaches to environmental protection through research, analysis, and advocacy. Policy professionals work to shape which regulations exist and how they function. Many environmental lawyers engage in both law and policy work, particularly those in government agencies or advocacy organizations.
Do environmental lawyers work mainly for the government or the private sector?
Environmental lawyers practice across all sectors relatively evenly. Government agencies employ many environmental lawyers in enforcement and regulatory roles. Private law firms hire environmental attorneys to counsel businesses on compliance and defend them in litigation. Nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups employ environmental lawyers for public interest litigation and policy advocacy. Many environmental lawyers move between sectors during their careers. Your choice depends on your interests: government offers a stable public service, private practice provides higher compensation, and nonprofit work focuses on environmental advocacy.
Key Takeaways
- Diverse Practice Areas: Environmental lawyers work across multiple sectors, including government agencies, private law firms, nonprofit organizations, and academia, addressing issues from clean water regulations to climate change policy.
- Strong Earning Potential: The median salary for lawyers is $151,160 as of May 2024 (most recent BLS data), with environmental law specialists earning within this range depending on experience level, sector, and geographic location.
- Growing Field: Lawyer employment is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, with environmental law seeing increased demand driven by climate change legislation, renewable energy development, and corporate sustainability initiatives.
- Specialized Skills Required: Success requires combining legal expertise with scientific literacy, strong communication abilities, and the capacity to translate complex technical information into persuasive legal arguments.
- Clear Educational Path: A Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and bar admission are required, with concentrations in environmental law, clinics, and relevant internships providing competitive advantages in the field.
Ready to explore environmental law as your career path? Discover law schools with strong environmental law programs and begin building the legal expertise to protect our planet.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job growth figures for lawyers reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2026.
