Are you interested in climate or environmental law? Or do you want to know whether you should be interested? This page is for you.
Center Events — Careers in Public Service
Past Events
Advice to Thrive By - Book Talk
February 16, 2023
The Center hosted Portia Allen-Kyle, a civil rights attorney who wants to help law students and new attorneys interested in public interest lawyering with their professional development strategy, in a discussion of her book, Advice to Thrive By.
Environmental Career Paths: Panel & Networking at SULC
October 20, 2022
A panel discussion on careers in climate, environmental, and energy law in the government and public interest sectors, co-hosted with the Southern University Law Center. Learn what a regular day’s work looks like, what the panelist’s paths to environmental law were, and what the pros and cons of working as an environmental lawyer are.
Building the Next Generation of Climate Advocates
September 20, 2022
The State Impact Center, Howard Energy and Environmental Law Society, the American Constitution Society, and Green 2.0 invite you to learn about careers in climate, environmental, and energy law in the government & public service sector.
Opportunities in Public Service: State AG Honors Programs & Fellowships
April 4, 2022
The State Impact Center and ACS hosted a discussion about honors programs and fellowship opportunities in AG offices, with remarks by North Carolina AG Josh Stein.
Exploring Environmental and Public Interest Careers at AG Offices
February 2, 2022
The State Impact Center and Michigan-area law schools co-hosted a discussion on environmental & public interest career opportunities in the offices of state AGs.
Building Power in the Public Sector: DEI and Anti-Racism at Environmental Jobs in Government
November 1, 2021
The Center, Green 2.0, & the New York City Bar hosted a discussion on diversity, equity, and inclusion work at government agencies that focus on environmental law.
Public Interest Law Center & State Energy Environmental Impact Center Panel
October 19, 2021
Public Interest Law Center and the State Impact Center brought together alumni in environmental careers at national advocacy organizations and government agencies.
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Hear from Students
What’s in a Label? The FTC Green Guides in Context
Connor Fraser | February 24, 2023
This brief explains what the FTC’s “Green Guides” contain, how the FTC plans to reevaluate them, the interplay between the Guides and state consumer protection laws, and how this interplay affects regulation of “recyclable” labels.
Our Student Blog Series collects insights from law student interns on various topics:
Reduce, Reuse, and Reinvigorate the FTC’s Green Guides
Connor Fraser | September 6, 2022
The FTC’s Green Guides should, but often don’t, guide when and how marketers can tell consumers that their products are recyclable, and they are finally being reviewed after a decade without updates.
EJ Issue to Watch: Governor Hochul Sitting on Passed Cumulative Impact Analysis Bill
Tatiana Zapata | September 6, 2022
The passage of New York’s cumulative impacts analysis bill by the state legislature in April 2022 was heralded by environmental justice groups as groundbreaking.
How the Biden Administration is Shaping State AG Enforcement Efforts
Georgia Rock | August 19, 2022
Eighteen months into Biden’s presidency, it is clear that there has been a significant shift within environmental work by state attorneys general.
Can Crypto Mining Ever Go Green?
Julien Blanchard | August 12, 2022
With our climate in crisis and that future at risk, crypto-billionaires and climate activists alike need to find common ground in sustainable, renewable-fueled crypto.
Something’s in the Water: Litigation and Community Action Against Polluting Industrial Farms
Fatima Elhafiz Ibrahiem | August 5, 2022
Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) are disproportionately placed in EJ communities.
Environmental Justice in the Sunshine State
Samantha Blend | July 29, 2022
The state of Florida has a wide range of pressing environmental challenges that disproportionately affect underserved communities.
Plastics in the Courtroom: The Evolution of Plastics Litigation
Connor Fraser | July 15, 2022
This post introduces the State Impact Center and Guarini’s new Plastics Litigation Tracker and discusses four major trends evident in plastics litigation thus far.
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Student Listserv
The State Impact Center Forum: Student Opportunities in Government & Environment group is for law students interested in environmental and public interest careers and opportunities, with a focus on government jobs. Expect to receive emails about events, jobs, internship postings, and more.
Other Resources
Alum Takes Surprising Path From Russian to Environmental Law
Bethany Davis Noll, JD ’05, still remembers the hike and barbecue at Meg Caldwell’s home during the beginning of her 1L year. This event and her later experience with the Environmental Law Clinic cemented Davis Noll’s strong interest in environmental law.
“I once heard this advice and I think it is so good: your grades are how you get your job, but legal writing is how you keep your job. My advice is to spend the time you need to on your classes; don’t let yourself get pulled in too many other directions so that you can get the grades you want. Legal writing is the most important skill you need for the day-to-day life of a lawyer. Take advantage of every opportunity to practice and hone that skill.” —Bethany Davis Noll
Career Opportunities
With the Center
The State Impact Center regularly works with law student summer interns and research assistants. Current opportunities at the Center can be found through our Work With Us page, by following our LinkedIn page, or contacting us to learn about opportunities for students.
With AG Offices
The American Constitution Society has created a great resource for anyone interested in working with a state AG, check it out!