Environment Law

Environmental law can cover anything from health and safety, dumping of waste, recycling, environmental disasters, climate change and alternative energy sources.

The UK’s first piece of legislation centred entirely on the environment came in 1990 when the UK enacted the Environmental Protection Act. This piece of law defined the structure and authority for waste management and control of emissions into the environment. It contained provisions on air pollution, land waste and smoke, fumes, dust, smell and noise.

In 2008, the UK enacted the Climate Change Act making it the first country in the world to have a long-term framework for cutting carbon emissions. It showed a commitment to reducing carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. Recently, the government went even further by committing to net zero greenhouse emissions by 2050.

Despite the recent acknowledgment of a climate crisis, environmental law is still considered a very specialist area, and only a few firms have an explicit focus on it.  Many firms, however, deal with environmental issues more generally within other departments. For example, property or construction.

How to Become an Environmental Lawyer ?

To become an environmental lawyer, you should demonstrate certain skills and personality traits that would aid you in the work you’d be doing. You will also have to seek out some relevant work experience, outlined below.

For Me.

To be a good environmental lawyer, it is important to be flexible and be able to multi-task because you’re likely to have lots of fast-moving projects to keep an eye on at the same time. It is also crucial to have strong reasoning and keen commercial awareness skills , especially if you find yourself working within a business environment, because it will then be imperative you understand your client’s organization. It is also beneficial for you to have a keen interest in the field.

What Work Experience Do I Need?

Relevant work experience is vital in this practice area. Despite this, one of the best things about gaining work experience in the environment sector is that there are many opportunities available to volunteer for environmental causes which will highlight a passion for the area. For example, offering your time to environmental charities, conservation projects or Greenpeace are all ways to show a passion for environmental issues.

Moreover, if working as a Lawyer is what you really want, Chambers that have an environmental work specialism or deal with environmental issues within another department such as planning offer further opportunities for experience in the area.

As environmental law is still a relatively niche area.

What Do Environmental Lawyers Do?

As an environmental lawyer, most opportunities arise within advising large organisations and businesses regarding environmental risks and regulations as well as helping them if litigation is brought against them.

There are also some opportunities within Non-Governmental Organisations such as the Environmental Law Foundation. Moreover, as an environmental lawyer, you could find yourself working in a government or regulatory position such as in the Department for the Environment or the Environment Agency.

If you are acting for corporate clients, your activities are likely to include:

• Advising on environmental risks and regulations regarding waste, pollution and health and safety.
• Litigation if/when it arises.
• If you work for the government or the Environment Agency, you may be involved in:
• Advising on legislation
• Drafting the best clauses for new legislation
• Litigation