Environmental Law Clinic (2009-2010 - Spring Quarter only)

The School of Law established an Environmental Law Clinic in 2003. In its first six years, the Environmental Law Clinic quickly gained a reputation for excellence for: (1) effective advocacy on behalf NGOs, nonprofits, governmental entities, and those who would otherwise not have been able to afford representation or have ready access to the judicial system; and (2) training the next generation of environmental lawyers and leaders. Whether problem-solving, or advocating for their clients in the courts, the legislature, or behind the scenes in other arenas, Clinic students represented real clients, under the supervision and guidance of a full-time faculty member, in important environmental and natural resource matters.

In 2009, the Clinic won the Clinical Legal Education’s national annual award for excellence in a clinical project for its groundbreaking work relating to the Exxon Valdez reopener clause--work that culminated in the Emmy-award winning film The Third Trustee. The film documents the effects of the Exxon Valdez oil spill on Alaska Natives, and powerfully drew attention to these effects before the deadline for reopening the Exxon Valdez settlement passed.

Despite the success of the Clinic, a vital source of private support was not renewed; as a result, the Clinic is being offered in reduced form during the 2009-10 academic year. As the University launches its new Environmental College, the Law School is seeking to strengthen its environmental law offerings and to restore the Clinic to full and ongoing operations.

Environmental Law Clinic in the News