Environmental lawyers specialize in laws and policies related to human interaction with the environment. They can work with corporations to follow regulatory guidelines, defend or prosecute legal cases, and work with environmental interest groups to improve laws and enforce strict regulations. They play a critical role in determining the health and stability of the planet’s natural resources.
An environmental lawyer is a legal professional with experience in laws and policies involving human interaction with the environment. There are many different jobs an environmental lawyer may qualify for, from serving as a liaison between corporations and government agencies to defending clients who are sick from environmental factors. In the 21st century, this area of law is a fast-growing profession, with many top law schools offering specialized degrees in environmental law.
As many governments now introduce laws that regulate land, water and atmospheric use, an environmental lawyer can be involved in creating, implementing and maintaining these policies. Some environmental lawyers help companies, such as construction companies, understand and correctly follow regulatory guidelines. If a company violates environmental practices, an environmental attorney may be hired to defend or prosecute the legal case. As legal guidelines surrounding business environmental resources and practices are constantly evolving, many lawyers in this field can work closely with companies to ensure proper understanding of new policies and the application of legal and appropriate practices.
Air, water and land pollution is a major source of work for environmental lawyers. If poor environmental standards allow harmful chemicals to leak into water or air, people nearby can become unwitting victims of pollution. If negligence or misuse of resources leads to health problems in nearby workers or residents, an environmental attorney can help clients sue the responsible organization. One of the most famous attorneys in the field, Erin Brockovich, is known for suing a gas and electric company for improperly disposing of harmful chromium that contributed to cancer cases in a nearby town. The following process resulted in one of the largest settlements in the history of environmental law.
Some environmental lawyers have a deep passion for environmental activism and choose to spend their time working with environmental interest groups. In this capacity, attorneys can work to improve laws or enforce strict regulations aimed at conserving natural resources. Often these advocates work closely with scientists to help assess environmental issues and develop appropriate guidelines for sustainability and conservation.
Environmental advocates play a critical role in determining the health and stability of the planet’s natural resources. Employment opportunities for professionals in the field include jobs in the private sector and government. Whether representing a business, helping a sick person find legal justice or advising world governments on conservation issues, environmental lawyers are highly valued for their expertise.
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