The Environmental Law and Policy Clinic is a place-based, community resource with a threefold mission to foster local climate change mitigation and adaptation policy and projects, ensure a safe and clean environment for all, regardless of race or income, and facilitate green and equitable economic opportunities.
The clinic allows students to explore these fast-evolving aspects of environmental law while serving the Pittsburgh community and surrounding region. Students engage with partners and clients in various matters, including regulatory advocacy, legislative advocacy, public outreach and education, and client counseling, positioning them for impactful careers in environmental law across the government, public interest, and private sectors.
Fieldwork
- The clinic’s work spans various legal and policy services that fit within its threefold mission and meet its pedagogical needs.
- The main objectives of the Environmental Law and Policy Clinic include Fostering impactful climate change policies and projects, Ensuring a safe and clean environment for all, regardless of race or income, and Facilitating green and equitable economic transition.
- Common services for each practice area include (1) Legal/technical counseling to local governments and nonprofit groups on ordinances and land use planning relevant to climate adaptation or mitigation, (2) grant writing support, and (3) coordination of public education.
Credits
6 per semester. Students may take only one semester or may take two consecutive semesters.
Transcript / Awarding of Credits
Semester by semester
Extension
Students may be eligible to extend their participation in the clinic via fieldwork. They must complete at least one full semester of clinic before being eligible for the fieldwork extension.
Eligibility Requirements / Prerequisites
Priority selection for 3Ls and students who have completed Environmental Law. Other preferred courses include Administrative Law, Community Lawyering, Climate Change, Wicked Problems, or Energy Law.
Application Procedure and Selection Basis
Open enrollment. Students are asked to meet with the supervising attorney before registration.