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Environmental and Natural Resources Law Center

sunset behind mountains reflected on the water

Engaging the law to support sustainability on earth.

For more than 50 years, the University of Oregon School of Law's focus on public interest environmental law and commitment to innovation in environmental-legal education have made it home to one of the most respected environmental law programs in the United States. 

#7
in the nation
for environmental law

2024-2025 US News & world report
A+
GRADING FROM PRELAW MAGAZINE

 

Ranked #7 in the nation, according to US News & World Report, the ENR Center has consistently ranked among the leading environmental law programs in the US for 17 years.

 

This year, preLaw magazine, a publication of The National Jurist gave the ENR a grade of ‘A+’, the highest score possible on its list of best law school programs.

Read this year's ENR Magazine

https://mylaw.uoregon.edu/enr-newsletter2024/

Previous Years in Review

ENR News & Events

Collage of flora and fauna by student project team
The Essential Work of Community Gardens: ENR Student Report
Check out "The Essential Work of Community Gardens," a report and digital story map created by Case Martin, Dillan "Bubba" Smith, Chloe Tesch, and Lesley Valencia, students from Dr. Alaí Reyes-Santos' 2023 Environmental Justice course. 
Dr. Alaí Reyes-Santos, students from her Human Rights and the Environment class, and visiting ELAW Fellows
ELAW Fellows Pay Visit to ENR Class
In mid-November, three fellows working with the Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide (ELAW)—Mamadou Alpha Diallo, Vanessa Torres, and Clinton Ezeigwe—visited Professor of Practice Dr. Alaí Reyes-Santos and her class, Human Rights and the Environment. 
Charles F. "Chuck" Sams, III, the director of the National Park Service
Recording Available: 18th Annual Rennard Strickland Lecture w/ NPS Director Chuck Sams
On October 24, 2024, the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Center virtually welcomed Mr. Charles F. "Chuck" Sams, III (Cayuse and Walla Walla), the director of the National Park Service, for the 18th Annual Rennard Strickland Lecture.

More

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Practical Experience

With an emphasis on intellectually challenging and creative work, students learn how to work up cases, prepare expert witnesses, write persuasive motions and memoranda, and appear at oral argument in real-world situations.

Students receive practical skills training through:

  • Legal Research and Writing
  • Environmental Law Clinic
  • Mediation Clinic
  • Journal of Environmental Law and Litigation
  • Advanced Environmental Law Clinic
  • Environmental Law Externship
  • Moot Court

ENR Practical Experience

 

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Careers

The environment has only increased in importance to governments, businesses, and individuals. Graduates of Oregon Law’s long-established and top-ranked Environmental and Natural Resources Law Program are among the most sought-after by employers.

Common Careers include:

  • Litigator
  • Transactional Attorney
  • Sustainability Manager
  • Legislative Aide
  • Policy Advisor
  • Conservation Director
  • Public Utilities Specialist
  • Nonprofit Director
  • Environmental Advocate

ENR Careers

ENR Faculty

As leaders and innovators, the distinguished faculty at the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Center are renowned climate change scholars, water law experts, and environmental law pioneers.

 

“We strive to produce cutting-edge and transformative research that will shape the future. Drawing upon our rich legacy in environmental law, we are always looking ahead to the needs of the planet, humanity, and our fellow species. In this new era defined by climate change, we engage our students, alumni, and colleagues to solve the crucial problems of our time.”

— Mary Wood, Philip H. Knight Professor, Faculty Director, Environmental and Natural Resources Law Center

Meet our Faculty

SUPPORT THE ENR CENTER

We pride ourselves on providing students with excellent teaching, skills-based learning opportunities, and a rich, diverse ENR curriculum.

We also contribute on-the-ground solutions to today's most challenging environmental problems. 

Please consider giving to the ENR Center to help us continue our work!

 

Support ENR