The UCI School of Law places a strong emphasis on its Environmental Law curriculum. That curriculum includes upper-level course work, a core clinic, opportunities to collaborate in cutting-edge research and policy dialogues, and financial support for students interested in pursuing a career in environmental law. Most notably, select law students who have demonstrated an exceptional interest in environmental law, and are most likely to dedicate their legal careers to working in this area, may be designated as Environmental Law Scholars (ELS).
Environmental Law Scholars at UCI Law are provided with the following benefits:
- Scholarship Award Environmental Law Scholars are awarded an increase of $10,000 on their current UCI Law Scholarship. Please note: Total scholarship awarded by UCI Law cannot exceed actually billed and assessed tuition and fees. Enrolled students who are eligible for and receive any University of California approved waivers, will have their Environmental Law Scholarship adjusted accordingly. The scholarship is renewable for the 3L year, provided the Scholar remains in good academic standing and demonstrates a continued interest in environmental law.
- Mentoring—ELSs will be assigned a UCI Law faculty member and where possible a mentor attorney who practices in their area of interest.
- Networking—ELSs will be invited to participate in networking events with faculty members and practitioners and other professionals who dedicated their careers to environmental law. The ELS will have networking opportunities through UCI Law Center for Land, Environment, and Natural Resources (CLEANR) events, which bring practitioners, policymakers, activists, students, and academics together to explore a variety of environmental issues. The ELS will also be encouraged to attend environmental law conferences and apply for scholarships to do so, if available.
- Experiential Learning—ELSs will have opportunities to gain valuable practical experiences.
- Research Opportunities—ELSs have many opportunities to carry out substantial research projects with close supervision from program faculty via directed research or independent study.
Environmental Law Scholars at UCI Law are asked to do the following:
- Academic Standing—ELSs must maintain good academic standing in order to maintain eligibility.
- Participate in Activities—Scholars are expected to be actively involved in all planned networking opportunities, and are encouraged to pursue leadership in the Environmental Law Society.
- Research and Programming—ELSs are expected to contribute to environmental law and policy research with CLEANR or environmental law faculty, and to assist in the organization of CLEANR programming.
Apply for the Scholarship
2024-2025 Environmental Law Scholarship Application (Deadline: April 26, 2024)