17 Environmental Lawyer Skills for Your Career and Resume

Environmental lawyers work to protect the environment and the people who live in it. They use their skills in law, science and policy to create change. If you’re interested in becoming an environmental lawyer, it’s important to understand the skills that are necessary for this career.

Problem Solving

Problem solving is the ability to identify and address issues that may arise in a project or task. Environmental lawyers often use problem-solving skills when reviewing environmental impact statements, as they may find areas where companies can improve their processes to reduce their environmental footprint. They also use this skill when negotiating with clients about how to handle potential risks.

Negotiation

Negotiation is the process of communicating with another party to reach an agreement. As an environmental lawyer, you may negotiate with clients and other professionals on behalf of your company or client. You can use negotiation skills when negotiating contracts, discussing legal matters and resolving disputes.

Advocacy

Environmental law requires a great deal of advocacy, which means you must be able to persuade others to agree with your position. As an environmental lawyer, you may need to advocate for clients who are accused of violating environmental regulations or those who want to build new structures on land that is environmentally sensitive. You can use your advocacy skills in negotiation and mediation as well.

Project Management

Project management skills are important for environmental lawyers because they help you manage the various tasks and projects that come with your job. For example, if you’re working on a case where you need to submit paperwork by a certain date or attend an in-person meeting, project management skills can help you plan out your schedule accordingly and ensure you complete all necessary tasks.

Public Speaking Skills

Public speaking is a necessary skill for environmental lawyers, as they often present to clients and other professionals. Effective public speakers are able to convey information clearly and maintain the attention of their audience. Public speaking skills can also help you in negotiations or arbitration sessions when you need to explain complex topics to others.

Writing Skills

Writing skills are necessary for an environmental lawyer to have, as they often write documents and correspondence. This includes drafting legal briefs, contracts and other important paperwork that requires a thorough explanation of the law and facts surrounding a case. Having strong writing skills can help a lawyer explain complex topics in ways their clients can understand.

Legal Research

Legal research is the ability to find and interpret laws, regulations and other legal documents. Environmental lawyers use this skill when researching environmental issues, as they may need to review existing legislation or case law related to their client’s situation. They also use legal research when preparing for negotiations with opposing counsel, as they may need to examine past agreements to determine what types of compromises are possible.

Litigation

Litigation is the process by which lawyers represent their clients in court. Environmental law often involves litigation, as companies and individuals may be sued for violating environmental regulations or harming the environment. Lawyers with strong litigation skills are able to present evidence effectively and negotiate agreements that benefit both parties.

Contracts

Contract law is the body of laws that govern agreements between two parties. Environmental lawyers use their knowledge of contract law to draft and review contracts for clients, including those related to environmental remediation projects. They also use this skill when negotiating with other professionals on behalf of a client.

Analytical Skills

Analytical skills are the ability to examine a situation and determine its components. Environmental lawyers use these skills when researching environmental law, analyzing data or reviewing contracts. They also use them when determining how to approach negotiations with clients or other parties involved in legal cases.

Problem-Solving Skills

Problem-solving skills are necessary for environmental lawyers to have, as they often work with clients who may be facing issues regarding the environment. For example, if a company is being fined by the government for violating regulations, an environmental lawyer might help them find ways to reduce their impact on the environment and avoid future fines.

Environmental Regulations

Environmental regulations are laws that dictate how businesses and individuals can interact with the environment. Environmental lawyers often need to understand these regulations in order to advise their clients on how they should act when interacting with the environment. For example, an environmental lawyer may tell a client that they must file paperwork if they plan to build a new structure or make changes to an existing one.

Research Skills

Environmental law requires a thorough understanding of the laws and regulations that govern environmental issues. This includes knowing how to research legal precedents, case studies and other resources that can help you understand the current state of environmental law and what may be coming in the future. Strong research skills are also important for finding evidence to support your arguments when negotiating with clients or opposing parties in court.

Policy Analysis

Policy analysis is the ability to interpret and evaluate laws, regulations and other policies. Environmental lawyers often use policy analysis skills when researching environmental law topics or preparing legal arguments for cases. This skill set also includes an understanding of how different policies interact with each other and how they affect businesses and individuals.

Writing

Writing is a necessary skill for an environmental lawyer because it’s how they communicate with clients, colleagues and other professionals. Effective writing can help you explain complex topics in ways that others can understand them. It also allows you to create contracts, reports and other documents that may be legally binding.

Public Speaking

Public speaking is the ability to communicate effectively with an audience. This skill can be useful for environmental lawyers, as they often present their findings and recommendations in front of clients, colleagues and other stakeholders. Public speaking also includes presenting at conferences or seminars, where you may need to explain complex topics to a large group of people.

Organizational Skills

Organization is a skill that can help you be successful in your career. As an environmental lawyer, you may have to manage multiple projects at once and keep track of deadlines for each project. Having strong organizational skills can help you stay on top of your workload and ensure you meet all the requirements for each case. It’s also important to be organized when preparing for meetings with clients or other professionals so you can present information clearly and thoroughly.

How Can I Learn These Environmental Lawyer Skills?

There are a few ways to learn the skills necessary to become an environmental lawyer. Many law schools offer environmental law courses, and there are also environmental law programs available at some universities. In addition, there are many environmental law organizations that offer educational programs and resources. The best way to learn the skills necessary to become an environmental lawyer is to get experience working on environmental law issues. This can be done through internships, volunteering, or working on environmental law projects.