Clinics

"Today's environmental challenges are multifaceted and require multi-disciplinary problem solving. The Environmental Law and Policy Clinic will play an invaluable role in giving students hands-on experience and training in finding common ground among experts and various stakeholders."
John Adams '62, co-founder of the Natural Resources Defense Council

Environmental Law and Policy Clinic

An Interdisciplinary Clinic at Duke

The Environmental Law and Policy Clinic is a joint venture of the Law School and the Nicholas School of the Environment whose mission is to train the next generation of environmental leaders. The Clinic enrolls up to 12 students each semester -- six from the Law School and six from the Nicholas School. The students work in teams on cases and projects with local and regional nonprofit groups involved in environmental conflicts relating to water quality, air quality, natural resources conservation, sustainable development, public trust resources, and environmental justice.

Working under the supervision of clinical faculty Ryke Longest and Michelle Nowlin, these students rely on a broad array of tools and insights from their various disciplines -- law, policy, and science -- to inform the development of policies and litigation strategies. Through the experience, students develop skills in mediation, negotiation, and conflict resolution and often are able to contribute their own entrepreneurial solutions to environmental dilemmas. Practical skills training emphasizes the skills needed to counsel clients, work with experts, examine witnesses, and advocate effectively in rule-making and litigation settings.