Environmental Law Clinic

The Environmental Law Clinic (ELC) is a one-semester 4 graded credit clinic. Students in the Environmental Law Clinic contribute to the protection and stewardship of Florida’s unique ecosystems and natural resources.  Focusing on environmental and land use matters of national, state, and regional significance, students work with ELC clients on rule making, permitting, and litigation matters before state and federal courts and administrative bodies. This work includes matters relating to Everglades restoration and litigation, issues of water quality and quantity, growth management, resource protection, endangered species and environmental justice.  Past and current clients include Friends of the Everglades, Earthjustice, Tropical Audubon, Florida Audubon, and the National Parks Conservation Association.

In addition to learning substantive aspects of the major federal and state environmental laws, students develop advocacy skills, acquire case management experience, and learn of courtroom practice and procedure. The weekly ELC seminar fosters learning and consideration of contemporary issues of environmental and land use law, is frequently taught with the assistance of guest lecturers who practice environmental or land use law in South Florida, and is designed to reflect the actual experiences of practicing lawyers.