8 replies to this topic

[readerscan]

Hi all,

I've applied to start in 2012, to UVic, UBC, UOttawa, Dalhousie, UToronto, Queen's, McGill, and UCalgary. You might guess from the number of schools I applied to that I'm feeling rather undecided. I am most interested in studying environmental law, and have seen that UVic, UBC, UOttawa, UToronto, and UCalgary have programs - with some having clinics and others not. In terms of getting a job later on, some people have advised me to look at the strength of the program at the particular school while others have advised me to look at the ranking/prestige of the school first. Which in your opinion would be the best school to attend for a future career in environmental law?

Thanks a lot for your advice!

[katiesc]

I can't speak for the law school specifically, but UVic (and the city itself) is generally is pretty environmentally focused so it would be a pretty good place to study environmental law, I would imagine.

[whereverjustice]

Readerscan, what kind of employer do you see yourself working for?

I think your best bet for law school is to stock up on as much Admin Law and related courses as possible.

[Mal]

Uvic is probably the best blend of overall prestige and focus on environmental law. But it depends who you want to work for.

[readerscan]

Thanks for your replies! I would imagine working for the government or in the not for profit sector, in an organization such as Ecojustice. Would that change your recommendations?

[conge]

The advice here seems pretty good from what I know. Perhaps you could also look into which schools allow you add a specialization to your degree or a certificate of some sort. If they offer a co-op, get involved in environmental mooting (is there such a thing?) or have an environmental clinical experience, that would also be something to look for.

I'm sure you've already looked into this, but finding employment (not to mention articles!) in these areas can be very difficult. I've seen some friends struggle. Most of them have found something super cool - it just took them longer/added stress - others went to work in large firms because they realized they needed articles.

Edited by conge, 06 January 2012 - 11:38 AM.

[hefeweizen]

Maybe a personal bias, but I agree with Mal that if you really want to go Enviro, go to UVic. It's a well-regarded school generally (and is one of the cheapest law schools in the country, if that's meaningful to you); we have the Enviro Law Clinic (well regarded) itself plus the possibility of doing the Enviro law intensive stream, a special two-week intensive course (I think that's how long it is - I'm not an expert in our enviro offerings) that's on-site somewhere up-Island, and you'd be making contacts with people who know where the jobs are in enviro law, etc. Also, if you're interested in government work, UVic's a good place to transition into that (b/c of being in BC's government town). There are definitely UVic grads working at EcoJustice.

[fromeo]

U of T all the law if you have the grades/can afford it.

http://www.law.utoro...&contentId=1217

[erinl2]

I think that Ecojustice does interesting and important work but no one should go in to law school with the sole plan to work there. They have very few lawyers on staff and probably one articling student. Most of their lawyers have prior experience before being hired there, interestingly often on the other side of the table. I've had the occasion to meet several of their staff and they have done their LLB/JD at many different law schools across the country so I don't think that one particular school is going to be a big advantage over others. Have a look at their website and read the bios. They're interesting. The advice by whereverjustice to load up on Admin. law and related courses is spot on for this type of work.