Lewis & Clark College is home to one of the top-ranked environmental law programs in the United States, offering both LL.M. and M.S.L. degrees. These programs are tailored to meet the needs of busy professionals, distance learners, and students with family obligations.
Our online programs provide an asynchronous learning style, allowing you to progress through your studies at your own pace. You have the flexibility to take as many or as few classes as you need, making it easier to balance education with other commitments.
For the LL.M. and M.S.L. degrees, we require the completion of 26 credits, including three mandatory courses for domestic students. These programs are designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field of environmental law, all while accommodating your unique schedule and needs.
Perspectives on the Program
We invited two guest speakers, Clayton Hill and Nick Thierry, to talk more about the program and their experiences.
Nick Thierry, a 2024 graduate of the MSL program at Lewis & Clark Law School, has extensive experience in renewable energy solutions and public policy. He has spent 6+ years in the industry, innovating renewable consumer products such as Solar PV and EV charging stations. Nick has also managed state renewable energy credit programs for major utilities nationwide. He pursued the MSL to help bridge the disconnect between energy law, public policy, and the practical adoption of renewable solutions.
Clayton Hill is a Senior Policy Advisor at the Washington State House of Representatives, specializing in environmental and energy issues. With a decade of experience in criminal and civil litigation, he transitioned to public policy in 2013, shifting his focus to environmental challenges in 2019. Pursuing an LLM in Environmental Law at Lewis & Clark Law School, Clayton aims to tackle significant issues like salmon recovery and transitioning to a non-fossil fuel electric grid. He credits the program for enhancing his expertise and confidence in environmental law, helping him drive positive change in Washington’s environmental policies.
Nick Thierry: A Testimonial from a Lewis & Clark MSL Graduate
Hi, I’m Nick Thierry. I graduated in May and currently work as a tech company founder, focusing on climate and health disclosures in real estate. I completed the MSL in Natural Resources and Energy Law at Lewis & Clark, and I’d like to share a bit about my experience.
What initially drew me to the MSL program was my desire to deepen my understanding of the renewable energy policy landscape. I wanted to see the bigger picture of risk mitigation and understand how all the pieces fit together. The online and asynchronous format of the program made perfect sense for me, especially as a busy professional. Knowing that Lewis & Clark has one of the top programs in the world made my decision easy, and I’m glad I made that choice.
The online format was ideal once I got the hang of it. The ability to connect with classmates, like Clay, online—even though we didn’t live in the same city—was invaluable. We could discuss classes, ask questions, and understand the material together. For someone with a busy schedule or unconventional hours, it was the best program I could find. That’s what really drove me to commit to and finish the program.
As for how the MSL degree has helped my career, I know many people wonder about the cost of going to law school and the return on investment. Although I’m not a lawyer, I work adjacent to law and renewable energy policy. During the two years I was in the program, I doubled my income, so the investment paid off quickly. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth it, I can assure you that it absolutely is. Whatever you put into the program, you can get back—and probably faster than you’d expect.
One piece of advice I’d offer is to believe in yourself and know that you have the skills to complete the program. The faculty—like Janice and Tess—are incredibly supportive, no matter what you’re going through. They see your goals and aspirations as a collaborative effort, and that makes all the difference.
Clayton Hill: From Legal Practice to Environmental Policy with Lewis & Clark’s Online LL.M. Program
Let me pick up where Nick left off. I can’t say enough about the administrative support in the Lewis & Clark Online LL.M. program. After being out of law school for nearly 20 years—I completed my J.D. in 2003—returning was a big step. But everyone I interacted with at Lewis & Clark was incredibly kind, helpful, and courteous. Whether I encountered issues with technology or needed assistance with course registration, the administrative team was always there to help. I especially want to thank Janice and Tess for making the experience smooth and welcoming.
I spent the first decade of my legal career practicing criminal law and personal injury. Then, I transitioned to public policy, working with the Washington State Legislature. My role involved writing memos for state lawmakers, and advising them on various amendments, legislation, and voting decisions. Initially, I dealt with tax and utility issues, but in 2019, I found myself thrust into environmental policy when the utility committee’s jurisdiction merged with the environment committee. Suddenly, I was navigating complex environmental policies, which was daunting, especially in a state like Washington, known for its sophisticated environmental challenges and leadership.
Washington State is a hotbed for environmental policy, with Puget Sound, 27 federally recognized tribes, and a salmon recovery crisis, all under the leadership of a governor who prides himself on being the greenest in the nation. Despite my legal background, I felt out of my depth and experienced imposter syndrome. I wanted to excel in this new area, so I sought out the best program available, which led me to Lewis & Clark. The fact that it’s one of the top programs and just down the road was a huge plus, and the online, asynchronous format was perfect for my hectic schedule, especially during the legislative session.
The flexibility of the program allowed me to take as few as one or two credits during the spring legislative session and still manage my workload. This was crucial for me, as fitting law school into my life during such a busy time seemed almost impossible.
Regarding how the LL.M. program has impacted my career, like Nick, I immediately leveraged my acceptance into the program for a pay raise. I approached my chief of staff, explained my commitment to furthering my education, and negotiated a salary increase to cover the tuition costs. This allowed me to stay at the top of my game while also receiving financial support. Since graduating, I’ve secured a second-round interview with a Fortune 500 company for a government relations position in the environmental sector. Although I’m still deciding whether to accept, I’m thrilled to be competitive in a global applicant pool.
During the interview, the hiring manager was particularly impressed with my resume, and I know this program played a significant role in that interest. I also received an unsolicited job offer to return to litigation after a decade away from the courtroom. The skills and confidence I gained through the LL.M. program have opened doors that might have otherwise remained closed. Now, I have the exciting option to either continue in public policy or return to environmental litigation—an enviable position for a mid-career professional.
If you’re looking for a program that opens up opportunities and boosts your confidence in environmental law and policy, I highly recommend this one. I could go on about my favorite courses, but I’ll save that for another time. Suffice it to say, the program exceeded my expectations and delivered exactly what I needed to thrive in this field. The alumni network is also invaluable, especially here in the Pacific Northwest, where Lewis & Clark’s reputation is unmatched. It’s an honor to be part of this community, and I hope others find the same value in it that I have.
Quick Questions
Did you have any favorite classes?
Clayton: Environmental Law from Professor Johnston was a high point. He’s the Jedi master, he’s the Yoda – you’re getting taught by the best! Professor Rolf’s classes were excellent as well.
How did you fit the program into your busy weeks?
Clayton: I’m not the best at organization, but I’d try to do a couple of hours of reading during the week, then use Friday nights after work to watch lecture videos and complete discussion prompts. I’d give up those Friday nights, but keep some other weekend time free.
Nick: I would also take advantage of the ability to work ahead on lighter weeks to prepare for busier one.
How long did each of you take to complete your degree?
Nick: Two years
Clayton: Two and a half years, while taking the bare minimum of classes per semester due to a busy schedule
Lawyers and policy professionals play pivotal roles in addressing the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Our online legal degree programs are designed to equip individuals with the legal expertise and skills needed to solve pollution problems, protect natural resources, and develop clean energy sources. Amidst a changing climate and a growing emphasis on environmental justice, law emerges as a vital tool for forging sustainable, resilient, and equitable societies.
Take the next step in your career with an MSL or LLM degree from Lewis & Clark. Contact us today to explore your options and learn how our online programs can help you reach your goals.