LLM in Environmental Law

This program blends academic study, writing, and practical skills training with a broad range of environmental law courses. Students work closely with faculty and practicing attorneys to research, investigate, and prepare publishable papers on leading environmental issues.

Students may also gain practical experience by participating in placements at local environmental organizations and governmental agencies, as well as the Environmental Law & Justice Clinic. This award-winning Clinic allows students to work with full-time attorneys on important cases addressing environmental justice. 

Program Highlights

The LLM in Environmental Law program provides opportunities to work with attorneys in the field. The Environmental Law and Justice Clinic allows students to work with full-time attorneys in an award-winning setting on important cases addressing environmental justice. The Externship in Environmental Law Program allows students to work in the field with supervising attorneys at governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and private law firms. Through the Externship Program, students have worked at the US Environmental Protection Agency, California Attorney General's Office, the California Public Utilities Commission, Earthjustice, and Communities for a Better Environment, among others.

Admissions

Rolling admissions for fall and spring. Applicants can expect a decision within 2-3 weeks of submitting a completed application. Students are encouraged to apply before the priority application deadlines:

• Fall (August) Term -- April 1
• Spring (January) Term -- October 1

Curriculum

To earn the LLM in Environmental Law degree, students must complete 24 units. Classes are offered both during the day as well as in the evening to accommodate working professionals. Students may attend full-time and complete the program in as few as two semesters. Alternatively, students may attend part-time. All students must finish the degree requirements within four years of matriculation. LLM students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale each semester.

Required & Recommended Courses

Required for foreign-educated law graduates:

• LLM 350 - Introduction to US Legal Studies (3 units)

Required for everyone -- students must take at least two of the four core courses listed below:

• LAW 834F - Federal Environmental Law (3 units)
• LAW 834H - California Environmental and Land Use Law (3 units)
• LAW 894D - Toxics and Brownfield Law (3 units)
• LAW 871W - Water Law

Elective Courses

• LLM 811 - Administrative Law
• LLM 822A - Animal Law
• LLM 822B - Animal & Wildlife Law
• LLM 399 - Directed / Independent Study
• LAW 857A - Energy and Climate Change Law
• LAW 834C - Environmental Law & Justice Clinic
• LAW 834G - Environmental Law & Justice Seminar
• LAW 896 - Externship: Environmental Law
• LLM 366 - Public International Law

Application Requirements

All applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible during the admission cycle. To receive consideration by the Admissions Committee, applicants must submit their applications by the posted deadline. Applications may be accepted after the posted deadline and are reviewed on a space-available basis.

A complete LLM program application consists of the following:

• Completed and signed Application Form;
• Personal Statement;
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (C.V.);
• Character and Fitness Addendum (if applicable);
• Letters of Recommendation;
• Law School Transcripts (translated if not in English);
• Interview (if applicable); and
• Non-US applicants must submit additional documents, including English proficiency demonstrated with either the TOEFL, IELTS, interview with Program Director, or waived for the exceptions.

Fees and Deadlines

There is no fee to apply. It is highly recommended that applicants apply prior to the priority deadline as admission and scholarship decisions are made on a rolling basis.

• April 1 is the priority application deadline for starting the program in the Fall (August), deadline extension to May 15.
• October 1 is the priority application deadline for starting the program in the Spring (January).
• April 1 is the priority application deadline for starting the program in the Summer (late May) -- limited to Taxation and Estate Planning programs only.