LLM in Environmental Law

Pace was one of the first law schools in the country to develop a comprehensive and integrated curriculum in environmental law. With it came a commitment to ensure the sustainability of our natural and built environments. As the environmental program grew and prospered, it consistently achieved one of the highest rankings in the nation as an academic and action center.

Pace’s environmental law program and LLM in environmental law prepare lawyers to address the scientific, economic and political forces that shape the environment and to work for outcomes that protect our natural surroundings and promote smart and sustainable development. Nearly 50 environmental courses are available to satisfy the requirements for the LLM in Environmental Law as well as the scholarly research degree of Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) in Environmental Law.

Each of our environmental faculty members has had a significant career in the practice of law before becoming a legal educator. Even now, many of them provide consultation and litigation services on issues important to the environmental field. Their experience in law firms, as corporate counsel and as federal and state regulators adds important practical perspectives to principles of environmental law and the education of Pace’s environmental law students.

LLM Degree Requirements

Both US-trained and international candidates must complete 24 credits. International students must complete the Introduction to US Law courses and maintain at least a 2.33 grade point average. US-trained students must maintain a grade point average of 2.67. Unless registered in a specialized track, all candidates are required to take the following courses:

• Environmental Law Survey (3 credits)
• Environmental Law Skills and Practice (4 credits)
• Science for Environmental Lawyers (2 credits)

LLM candidates must complete at least two major research paper or with special permission, may elect to prepare a master’s thesis.