A Globally Recognized LLM Program

Lewis & Clark’s Environmental Law LLM program is one of the most respected in the United States, with a legacy of over 50 years in environmental legal education. The program attracts students from around the world, offering both in-person and online options to accommodate working professionals. The online program, launched in 2019, provides flexibility without compromising academic rigor, allowing students to balance coursework with professional commitments. Assistant Director Tess Jacobsen emphasized that international students complete 28 credit hours, including foundational courses such as Environmental Law, two semesters of Emerging Topics (taught by Associate Dean Janice Weis), and an introductory course on U.S. environmental law. The curriculum also allows for specialized research, where students can tailor coursework to their professional interests.

How an LLM in Environmental Law Can Elevate Your Career

Associate Dean Weis outlined three primary types of professionals who benefit from the LLM:

1. Career Changers: Lawyers practicing in other fields who wish to pivot into environmental law.
2. Career Advancers: Those already in environmental law looking to deepen their expertise and expand job opportunities.
3. Established Professionals: Experienced environmental law practitioners seeking to enhance their credentials and grow their practice.

Graduates pursue diverse career paths in government agencies, NGOs, private law firms, and corporate sustainability roles. The program’s extensive alumni network spans the globe, providing invaluable connections for career advancement.

A Firsthand Account: Ingvild Ombudstvedt’s Journey

Ingvild Ombudstvedt shared how Lewis & Clark’s LLM program helped her refine her legal expertise in carbon management and international environmental law. As a Norwegian lawyer with a background in climate law, she sought a program that offered both flexibility and prestige. Lewis & Clark was widely recommended to her by other law professors and professionals in the field. Her experience as an online student was highly positive, noting that the discussion-based format fostered deep engagement with faculty and peers. Despite the challenges of balancing work and study, she found the flexible structure essential in allowing her to complete the degree without disrupting her career. She also highlighted the research topic option, which allowed her to conduct a comparative study between U.S. and European environmental law. This research proved instrumental in her work, equipping her with a broader legal perspective and enhanced regulatory insight.

A Flexible and Engaging Learning Experience

One of the most valuable aspects of the online LLM is its interactive format. While coursework is asynchronous, students engage through discussion posts, case studies, and live faculty office hours. Many professors incorporate international perspectives into their coursework, making the program highly relevant to global practitioners. Additionally, students can tailor their academic journey by taking summer intensive courses, engaging in independent research, and selecting electives aligned with their professional goals.

Application & Next Steps

We offer three start dates each year for those considering the program: Spring, Summer, and Fall. Applicants should demonstrate a strong academic record, legal research and writing skills, and a clear commitment to environmental law. While bar membership is not required, an LLB or JD equivalent is essential. The program also provides tuition awards based on merit and financial need.

Final Thoughts

The Lewis & Clark Environmental Law LLM program stands out for its academic excellence, global reach, and adaptability to students’ needs. As Ombudstvedt emphasized, it provides the knowledge, connections, and credibility needed to excel in environmental law on an international scale. For those passionate about tackling environmental challenges through legal expertise, this LLM is a gateway to exciting career opportunities and a meaningful impact on global sustainability efforts. Interested in learning more? Contact the Lewis & Clark admissions team or connect with alumni like Ingvild Ombudstvedt to hear firsthand about their experiences.