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Let’s talk about one of the most important and often misunderstood areas of legal practice – environmental law. It’s where climate meets compliance, where forests meet the courtroom and where people who care about the planet can make real change using legal tools.

In the past, environmental law was mostly about making sure pollution didn’t make people sick. Fast forward to today and it’s become its own full-blown legal universe. This ranges from discussions on climate change, biodiversity, plastic pollution, clean energy, and the laws protecting wild landscapes and endangered species. It’s a fast-paced, high-stakes area that’s growing right alongside our global climate challenges and it’s never been more relevant.

What does environmental law look like these days?

Environmental law isn’t one thing, rather it’s an umbrella covering a wide range of issues.

Starting with climate in the UK, there’s the Climate Change Act 2008. This was a serious piece of legislation that legally commits the country to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These requirements aren’t optional and they shape everything, from how businesses operate to how governments design their net-zero strategies. Meanwhile on the global stage, there’s the Conference of the Parties, the annual climate summit where world leaders try to keep climate goals on track.

There’s then the matter of pollution which involves much of our quality of life, from the air we breathe, to the water we drink and the land we live on. This impacts issues such as traffic-heavy cities, toxic industrial sites and rivers affected by chemical run-off from agriculture. UK laws have come a long way since the smog-filled days of the industrial revolution, but pollution is still a great problem for both humans and for ecosystems.

Let’s not forget the issue of wildlife and nature protection. Whether it's protecting endangered species or creating safe zones like national parks or national landscapes, this area is all about conserving what’s left of our planet’s biodiversity. From dealing with wildlife crime to enforcing the rules around protected habitats, there’s serious legal work involved in keeping our natural world intact.

Why it’s a career worth considering

Environmental law is one of those fields where you’re not just clocking hours – you’re part of urgent work that has a tangible, everyday impact on the lives of people and species. Whether it’s holding companies accountable for pollution, helping draft better laws or fighting to protect a threatened habitat, you can act as the intersection of justice and sustainability.

However, it’s important to note that environmental law is still quite a niche sector. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible to break into, just that you have to be smart about your approach.

Many large law firms don’t have entire teams focused solely on environmental law. Instead, it often lives inside other departments – like real estate, planning, or corporate law. That said, there are firms and organisations doing this work front and centre such as ClientEarth and the UK Environmental Law Association. If you wish to go all-in, these are the sort of organisations you should be focussing on.

What does an environmental lawyer actually do?

If you go down the private sector route, you might be advising companies on how to stay compliant with environmental regulations, helping them navigate risks, or representing them in environmental disputes. If litigation pops up, you’re the one they call.

If you’re working for the government or agencies like the Environment Agency? You could be drafting legislation, helping shape environmental policy or enforcing the law against rule-breakers. And if you’re working for a nonprofit organisation (NGO) you’re probably doing a bit of everything – legal research, strategic litigation, advocacy and education.

How to get a foot in the door

Let’s not sugarcoat it – experience matters, but the good news is, there are many  ways to get it.

One of the best places to start your environmental law journey is through volunteering. Getting involved in grassroots environmental groups or charities like Greenpeace or local conservation projects doesn’t just show passion, it also builds your credibility and shows genuine care for the cause.

Internships and legal placements are another route, especially if you’re hunting for something more structured. Look out for opportunities with organisations. Some of these won’t be advertised in the usual places, so you’ve got to do your research, for example job boards, law school careers teams and even cold emails can go a long way.

And don’t underestimate research. If you’re still in university or law school, writing a dissertation or article on an environmental law issue is a fantastic way to stand out. You’re showing future employers that you understand the law and the issues and that you can write about them clearly, a legal skill in itself.

Also, talk to your professors. Many of them have connections to practitioners or NGOs and may be able to put you in touch or refer you to a useful connection.

A field that has much room for growth
If you’re someone who’s equally passionate about justice and the environment, environmental law could be the perfect blend of purpose and profession. While it’s still a niche sector, that also means you have a real opportunity to be part of its growth. And let’s be honest, the planet could really use more people like you on the legal front lines.

So, whether you want to represent corporate clients, write policy, litigate against polluters or work for a mission-driven NGO, there’s a place for you in environmental law.