5 Considerations for Pursuing an Environmental Law Career

There are many reasons people may want to pursue a career in environmental law. Whether it be the desire to help the environment or use their legal skills for social good, there is an opportunity for anyone who wants to make that change. We will highlight some of the considerations you should think about before pursuing your dream job as an environmental lawyer.

1) Time Commitment

Environmental law can be a very demanding field, with long hours in the office and out-of-town meetings. It is important to consider whether you are willing to make this commitment before taking on an environmental job. Lawyers often have their clients they must meet regularly, so it may not always be possible to take off early for family time or other obligations.

2) Workplace Environment

Some workplaces have a very relaxed atmosphere, while others are more strict and rigid. For example, one lawyer may work from home two days a week to spend time with family during the day before working in the office after hours. Still, another law firm may not allow employees any flexibility at all. You must find an environment suitable for you, so think about the type of work environment you prefer.

3) Workload

Some jobs require very little work, while others can be quite demanding. For example, one lawyer may only have to review documents and prepare for meetings during the day before going home early in the afternoon. At the same time, another law firm may spend hours preparing briefs or attending hearings throughout their week. You should think about how much you want to work and what type of workload you can handle.

4) Additional Requirements

Some employers will require additional training or education before hiring an environmental lawyer. For example, some law firms may only hire lawyers with a degree in environmental science to work on cases relating to climate change and other scientific issues. You should consider if you are willing to take any courses your employer might recommend, especially because you can show future employers that you are willing to learn and grow.

5) Salary

It is important to think about what you would like your salary to be before looking for a job. An environmental lawyer can range from $50,000 — $200,00 per year depending on the type of firm and experience level. If money is not much of a concern when considering your career choices, this may not be a big factor. However, if you are hoping to make more money, it may be important that your desired salary be offered at the firm before accepting the job.

Originally published at https://jose-simon-elarba.com on November 3, 2021.