An Interdisciplinary Clinic at Duke
A joint undertaking of the Law School and the Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences, Duke's Environmental Law and Policy Clinic trains the next generation of environmental leaders while providing support to clients involved in environmental conflicts.
Under the supervision of clinical faculty, students will work on current case and policy advocacy priorities as determined by the Clinic's Advisory Board. With a focus on alternative methods of resolving disputes and litigation capability, the Clinic will offer students the opportunity to develop their mediation, negotiation, conflict resolution skills. In addition to being transaction designers and litigators, clinic students may also be called on to contribute entrepreneurial solutions to environmental dilemmas.
Cases and issues addressed by the clinic may include the following subject areas: water quality, air quality, natural resources conservation, sustainable development, public trust resources and environmental justice. Practical skills training will emphasize the skills needed to counsel clients, examine witnesses and to advocate effectively in rule-making and litigation settings. Generally, students may only enroll in the clinic for one semester, but may enroll for two semesters, if space permits, with the permission of the instructor. All enrolled students will be required to provide a minimum of 100 hours of work per semester to the clinic. In addition, students must participate in weekly group training meetings as well.
Students must be in at least their fourth semester of law school to enroll in the Environmental Law and Policy Clinic.