Students in the Abrams Environmental Law Clinic promote clean energy, fight against water pollution, protect natural resources and human health, and address legacy contamination. Students learn practical legal skills, such as conducting factual investigations, interviewing witnesses and preparing affidavits, reviewing administrative determinations, drafting motions, working with experts, arguing motions and presenting at trial or an administrative hearing. The Clinic represents regional and national environmental organizations and individuals and often works with co-counsel. In addition to litigation, the Clinic may also engage in legislative reform and rule-making efforts; students interested solely in that kind of work should notify the instructor before joining the Clinic. While the course does not have any pre-requisites, students are strongly encouraged to take an environmental law, energy law, and/or administrative law courses at some point during their time in the clinic. A student enrolling in the Clinic for the first time should sign up for two credits; in subsequent quarters, the student may enroll for one, two or three credits per quarter after consultation with clinic faculty. Evaluation based on legal research and writing, oral presentation and advocacy. Participation may be considered in final grading.
3L students will have priority in the bidding process.
Student must take a minimum of 2 credits in the clinic if enrolling for the first time.
LLMs may enroll but only with special permission after discussion with Prof. Templeton about their interest and experience.
Learning Outcomes Include:
● Demonstrate the ability to identify and understand key concepts in substantive law, legal theory, and procedure.
● Have the ability to write a competent legal analysis and/or effective transactional documents.
● Demonstrate the ability to conduct legal research.
● Demonstrate communication skills, including oral advocacy and/or negotiation skills.
● Demonstrate familiarity with the rules of professional ethics.
● Demonstrate professionalism consistent with the legal profession’s values and standards
● Demonstrate an understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of law and the contributions that other disciplines can make to the study of law.
Tue : 03:30 PM-05:30 PM
Location: Laird Bell Quadrangle C