Environmental Law Clinic

Through the generosity of the Howard and Vira Heinz Endowments, the Environmental Law Clinic welcomed its first students in January of 2001. The Environmental Law Clinic is a primary way of meeting the requirements for students to receive a certificate of specialization in that area.  Students who work for the Clinic learn how to be environmental advocates by representing clients who are parties to actual environmental disputes. Many of the individuals and organizations with real interests in these disputes often lack legal representation. The Clinic represents those who, because of the expense or the controversial nature of the situation, have been unable to obtain representation. The Clinic's cases allow the students to see first-hand how the environmental laws they have studied in the classroom are applied by administrative agencies and the courts. Bi-weekly classes are used to discuss the practical application of rules and procedures, case progress, substantive issues, research strategies, professional and ethical considerations, and client relations, among other issues. For some matters, the students will have primary responsibility, as Certified Legal Interns, for representing a client. Currently, the Environmental Law Clinic is representing clients before the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board, state and federal courts, and clients who wish to comment on state and federal agency proposals that are still under consideration.

If you would like to support the Environmental Law Clinic, please visit: http://www.giveto.pitt.edu/giving/give.php.