Environmental Law Offers New Opportunity for Paralegals

Mother Nature has a unique but simple way of taking care of herself—a sort of “no BS” attitude towards unnatural manipulation that has routinely come back to bite many people and corporations where it hurts. At the beginning of December, the EPA released a report saying that Monsanto’s program for monitoring suspected cases of resistance to their genetically modified corn is “inadequate.”

Basically, this crop was developed by Monsanto to kill an insect called the corn rootworm, which devastates healthy corn by devouring its roots (clever name eh?). What happened, however, is that Mother Nature slapped Monsanto in the face: the corn rootworm is suspected of developing a resistance to the modified corn and is now considered a “superinsect.” Sounds like something from science fiction—except it’s very real.

Monsanto denies the problem. Unfortunately, this seems to be a growing issue since the proliferation of genetically altered agriculture.

On the plus side, however, the industry has also heralded a new era of environmental law. As “trendy” as it might sound to consider oneself a green lawyer or paralegal, there is actually an enormous need for individuals with knowledge and interest both in environmental science and in law. And especially with the rise in law school enrollment since 2009, there could hardly be a smarter choice than to combine a J.D. with something that will a) increase one’s likelihood of finding work, and b) help make the Earth a better place at the same time.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection recently announced an internship program in conjunction with UConn’s Center for Energy and Environmental Law.  The center was recently created to “prepare the next generation of lawyers and policymakers to shepherd technological innovations into actual practice and to build a vibrant and greener future.”

There appears to be a rising trend in this type of thinking among notable law schools across the U.S., suggesting that there will be plenty of job opportunities in this niche within the coming decade. In fact, Vermont Law School’s Environmental Law Center recently released the Top 10 Environmental Watch List of 2012.  Number one on the list reads: “With Republicans attacking the EPA, 2012 could be a turning point for environmental regulation.” All signs are pointing to a future of increased activity in this sector.

With headliners like the BP oil spill, Monsanto’s dilemma, and smaller cases like this Arcadia man who was fined $7,000 for a pollution violation, the true reach of the web of environmental law is staggering.

So if you’ve got an interest in policy and law, a love for the environment, and the ability to clearly articulate your thoughts, you should consider getting involved. The paralegal profession is a rich field that allows you to jump into the foray without having a law degree, so there are lots of possibilities for people who want to affect policy and positive change in this arena. It’s never too late—and Mother Nature will certainly thank you for it.