We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Finance

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What does an Environmental Attorney do?

Jessica Ellis
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,097
Share

An environmental attorney is a legal professional with expertise in laws and policies that involve human interaction with the environment. There are many different jobs an environmental attorney can qualify for, from serving as a liaison between corporations and government agencies to defending clients made ill by environmental factors. In the 21st century, this area of law is a fast-growing profession, with many top-rated legal schools offering specialized degrees in environmental law.

Since many governments now feature laws that regulate the use of land, water and the atmosphere, an environmental attorney can be involved with creation, implementation, and maintenance of these policies. Some environmental attorneys help businesses, such as construction firms, understand and correctly follow regulation guidelines. If a company is found to be in violation of environmental practices, an environmental attorney may be hired to defend or prosecute the legal case. Since legal guidelines involving resources and environmental business practices are constantly evolving, many lawyers in this field may work closely with businesses to ensure proper understanding of new policies and the application of appropriate and legal practices.

Pollution of the air, water, and land is a major source of work for lawyers who specialize in the environment. If poor environmental standards allow harmful chemicals to leak into water or the air, people nearby can become unwitting victims of the pollution. If negligence or misuse of resources leads to health problems in workers or nearby residents, an environmental attorney may help clients sue the responsible organization. One of the most famous lawyers in this specialty, Erin Brockovich, is well known for suing a gas and electric company for improperly disposing of harmful chromium which contributed to cancer cases in a nearby town. The following suit resulted in one of the largest settlements in the history of environmental law.

Some environmental attorneys have a deep passion for environmental activism and choose to spend their time working with environmental interest groups. In this capacity, attorneys may work to improve laws or impose strict regulations geared toward conservation of natural resources. Often, these lawyers work closely with scientists to help assess environmental issues and develop suitable guidelines for sustainability and conservation.

Environmental lawyers play a critical part in determining the health and stability of the planet's natural resources. Employment opportunities for professionals in the field include both private sector and government jobs. Whether representing a business, helping an ill person find legal justice, or guiding world governments in matters of conservation, environmental attorneys are greatly valued for their expertise.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Jessica Ellis
By Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica Ellis brings a unique perspective to her work as a writer for WiseGeek. While passionate about drama and film, Jessica enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics, creating content that is both informative and engaging for readers.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica Ellis...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-does-an-environmental-attorney-do.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.