What is an Environmental Law Certificate?
An environmental law certificate is a credential that adds value to your legal education and professional training/information on environmental law issues. An environmental law certificate demonstrates that you have received specialized training on environmental law topics and issues.
In general, certificates are available from several institutions, including ABA-approved law schools, graduate schools, the US Environmental Protection Agency, and a number of other organizations, such as the National Association of Administrative Law Judiciary. Some certificate programs are in-person while others are available in an online format. Certificates typically require the successful completion of a designated number of courses on specific environmental law-related topics and issues as part of the program . In some cases, a certificate also requires on-the-job training or clinical work, such as working with the EPA or relevant industry group. Certificates can be earned during law school, graduate school, through a continuing education program, or in conjunction with training provided by the US EPA or other organization. Joining and attending events hosted by professional organizations, such as the National Association of Attorneys General, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, or the International Association of Attorneys General, is another way to continue your education in environmental law. Simply put, an environmental law certificate is a mark of distinction based on advanced studies in environmental law.
The Advantages of an Environmental Law Certificate
Over the past decade, attorneys in this field have seen significant growth in environmental law practices among corporations. The diversification of corporations involved with this area of law has led to a greater need for skilled attorneys. Practicing environmental law requires additional expertise beyond a typical law degree. The environmental law certificate helps participants dig deeper into the various roles an attorney may play in this specialized area. This can include advising clients on legal issues concerning waste management and a host of other environmental regulations. It can also include roles as lobbyists and public advisors for local and federal agencies.
While an environmental law degree is not required for many jobs, it does enhance your credibility and may open the door to advancement opportunities. For instance, the role of chief compliance officer is highly coveted but can be difficult to obtain if you lack advanced training in a relevant field. However, an environmental law certificate can help you build credibility and showcase your interest in a specific field of law. One of your key responsibilities in this role is to ensure the organization maintains compliance with applicable laws and regulations. An EE certification, for example, can allow you to leverage your environmental knowledge to establish yourself as a credible candidate for top CCO roles.
Obtaining an environmental law certificate also helps you build your knowledge of environmental law practices. ITAR, EAR and CAA compliance, for example are all areas where training and experience help improve your overall knowledge of the subject. It’s important to comprehend how these rules apply to foreign customers and distribution channels to properly advise your clients on regulatory standards. You also will have experience with recent trends in environmental law Canada, including on the international stage with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the UN Environment Program. You will have the ability to explain relevant policies and regulations to customers while also working with your team to draft policies for compliance enforcement.
In order for an attorney involved in environmental law to effectively advocate on behalf of a client, he or she must have a strong understanding of the scope of environmental legal issues. An environmental law certificate allows you to leverage your knowledge of environmental law issues for your clients—e.g., pending legislation that would create penalties for rectifying environmental law violations, environmental law developments within the industry and areas of potential focus for additional legal regulations. An environmental law certificate helps you build expertise on the environmental policies most likely to impact your clients. This can help you facilitate a smoother dialogue while establishing yourself as a recognized authority on environmental law.
Choosing the Right Environmental Law Certificate Program for You
When considering further study in the field of environmental law, it is important to choose a program that aligns with your career goals and provides the knowledge you need to stay ahead in this ever-evolving discipline. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting the right environmental law certificate program:
Accreditation – One of the first things you should check is whether the institution you’re considering is fully accredited. Accreditation is a sign of academic quality, ensuring that the institution meets certain standards that have been set by the accrediting organization. In the United States, there are six regional accrediting organizations that accredit public and private degree-granting colleges and universities. There are additional specialized accreditation agencies for specific programs and schools as well.
Curriculum – The coursework offered should be relevant and up-to-date to meet the evolving environmental landscape. Look for programs that are updated regularly to ensure that the courses prepare students for their future careers. If you want to specialize in a niche area of environmental law, confirm that you will gain exposure in that area. Faculty – Who will be teaching your courses? Look for an institution that boasts eminent full-time faculty with experience in the legal, regulatory, and policy aspects of environmental law, as well as field experience. Faculty should also be active researchers in the field. Some programs offer adjuncts from the local legal community, which can also be a huge asset. Delivery Format – Depending on your current employment situation or other obligations, you need to determine whether a fully in-person, hybrid, or fully online program is most suitable for you. It’s also vital to check the schedule and frequency of classes. Some institutions may require students to be on campus weekly, while others offer programs that start just once a semester and offer a more flexible schedule. Flexibility – Look for a certificate program that offers options in case your current circumstances change. For example, you may start a program with the intent of pursuing a degree eventually, but for whatever reason, you may not be able to continue toward that goal. Make sure the institution will allow you to transfer the certificate credits toward a specific degree program if you later wish to go back to school. In addition to these factors, carefully review students’ learning outcomes and evaluate how those directly apply to your current or future employment opportunities. Once you’ve sorted through your options and evaluated how well they fit with your personal schedule and your professional goals, you will be well placed to choose the best environmental law program for you.
Career Opportunities with an Environmental Law Certificate
With its focus on water law, this certificate is especially beneficial for students looking to work in public or private environmental law. Students can pursue opportunities with law firms, government agencies, non-profits, environmental NGOs and think tanks, and corporations, as well as field positions. From the litigation and private side, the certificate will train students in antipollution and clean-up laws at the state and federal levels, and the effects of state agency decisions in administering important statutes, such as the Clean Water Act . On the public side, it will also provide training for lawyers working with environmental nonprofit organizations, representing citizen groups, and attorneys working for the government to enforce antipollution laws and working at the federal or state level with regulatory agencies. These skills and experiences will facilitate job placement at the federal, state and local government levels, and in the private sector.
Top Institutions Issuing Environmental Law Certificates
Numerous colleges and universities offer environmental law certificate programs for individuals who wish to enhance their understanding of legal issues while gaining a competitive edge in the field. Some of the leading institutions offering these programs include:
Columbia University, Environmental Law and Policy Certificate Program: Columbia’s highly respected Graduate School of Arts and Sciences offers a Graduate Certificate in Sustainability, with a concentration in Environmental Law and Policy. Students may complete the Environmental Law and Policy concentration requirements through enrollment in online courses offered via the Earth Institute at Columbia. This 18 credit certificate program includes courses in Environmental Law and Politics, Perspectives on Environmental Law and Policy, Perspectives on Environmental Sustainability, Environmental Economics, and Environmental Justice. Students may take up to four courses offered in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and earn the certificate during their study for the master’s degree. Of note: There are currently no restrictions on student enrollment in graduate courses offered through the Earth Institute, and enrollment is open to any person who holds or is pursuing a bachelor’s degree. There is no separate application process to enroll in individual courses, but if you wish to pursue the certificate program, you must apply for admission and be accepted into the program prior to completion of the fifth course.
Colorado State University, Environmental Law Certificate: This program is offered through Colorado State’s Univeristy Center for Disaster and Risk Analysis (CEDRARA). The school notes that "Environmental law here refers to dedicated fields such as Water Law, Natural Resource Law, Environmental Impact Assessment Law, and Wetland Protection Law." CSU’s Environmental Law Certificate focuses on the impact of humans on natural systems, both in terms of degradation and conservation. The program is designed for individuals who seek to understand the legal context of environmental restoration activities and gain insight concerning planning for the future. Of note: There are no specific prerequisites for enrollment in the certificate program. There is also no degree requirement; however, applicants should have a strong academic background in the natural sciences. Students seeking the CEDRARA Environmental Law Certificate can pursue the program for degree credit in conjunction with a degree in a science field. Continuing education students may also obtain a Professional Development Certificate in Environmental Law.
University of Washington, Environmental Law and Policy Certificate: This certificate program is an online certificate that is offered through the College of the Environment. Students can complete the requirements for this certificate over the course of two to three years, taking six courses for a total of 18 credits. Courses include Pollution Prevention and Waste Management, International Environmental Law, Environmental Law and Policy, Climate Change and Society, Environmental Justice, and Environmental Policy in the US. Required coursework also includes a capstone course, Environmental Stewardship within the Interdisciplinary Context. Of note: Application deadlines for the graduate certificate are August 1 and July 1 for students wishing to begin course study in the fall and summer terms, respectively. There are also two additional deadline dates for current students, giving them more time to complete the program in conjunction with degree studies.
Emerging Trends in Environmental Law and the Role of Certificates
Several upcoming trends in environmental and energy policy are relevant to taking an environmental law certificate program. The change in administration in Washington has assured that there will be attempts to roll back or at least re-think the Obama environmental policies. State and local governments will continue to pursue more vigorous anti-pollution policies. Certification programs will move to online only as working professionals shift their methods of learning. Many environmental regulations, such as the Clean Air Act or Superfund, were enacted decades ago, and the threat of climate change is so serious we need to consider even more new laws . New regulations on storm water run-off, water-temperature discharges, open dumping of coal ash, lead paint pollution, and barriers in coastal areas are on the regulatory agenda now. Environmental compliance is more complicated than ever. At the same time that new regulations are issued for insurers and environmental lawyers to follow, the already comprehensive set of state and federal laws continue to develop. Environmental compliance has its roots in legal analysis, and when technology is used, the various regulatory streams are considered together.
