JD Degree in Environmental Law

At Lewis & Clark, law students studying for the JD degree can take a few environmental law classes or they can emphasize environmental and natural resources law by earning a special certificate presented at graduation along with the degree.

To receive the Certificate in Environmental and Natural Resources Law, students must take Administrative Law and Environmental Law, and 8 additional credits of their choice from the environmental law curriculum, and write two substantial papers on environmental or natural resources law topics. The minimum G.P.A. for the certificate is 2.70 in the certificate courses. A maximum of three (3) ungraded credits may be applied to the certificate requirements. One course taken at another law school of up to 3 credits may be applied to the certificate requirements with advance approval of the Certificate Administrator.  Be sure to check in advance of registering for any such class. Note: Environmental law summer courses also may be used towards the certificate.

The certificate requirements are designed to recognize students who concentrate on environmental and natural resources law but are also intended to leave plenty of room to take other important core classes. At Lewis & Clark, we believe that you must first learn to be a good lawyer before you can become an effective environmental lawyer. 

Prof. Rohlf leading field trip to Bonneville Dam in Columbia GorgeStudents who earn the certificate find it highlights them in the job market as graduates with special skills and knowledge. As discussed in Careers and Alumni, our graduates have a variety of national and international employment choices in the environmental field.

Certificate Administrator

The Associate Dean of the Environmental, Natural Resources, and Energy Law program, Janice Weis, will serve as the administrator for the Certificate in Environmental and Natural Resources Law. Any questions may be directed to her at:  jweis@lclark.edu  or 503-768-6649.

For more information about the JD admissions process, consult Lewis & Clark’s law school Admissions Office.