Why are you passionate about this Clinic and area of Law?

The Environmental Law Clinic is an excellent opportunity to learn more about environmental lawyering by working with one of the leading public interest environmental legal centres in the country. I’ve been involved in this clinic for the best part of 6 years, first while working as the Managing Lawyer at the EDO, and now as the convenor, whilst simultaneously working for an environmental NGO. We look at different topics in environmental law from different perspectives – private practice, government and community, and it is exciting – and important – to see the practice of environmental law from different perspectives.

I love this clinic because there is always something new to discuss – from major legal wins and losses across the country, to the new and evolving environmental laws federally, Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation and the rights of environmental defenders. The course is dynamic – as is the environment – and we are always learning something new.

What “real-world” experience can students expect from this opportunity and what skills will they learn from that experience?

Through the clinic you will develop your skills file noting and writing legal memos, and you will develop legal research skills dealing with real world environmental issues. You may assist in writing client advices and in the preparation of documents for litigation. You may also assist in developing legal education resources. Whatever the task, you will definitely develop a better understanding of the current operation of environmental laws, how they function, and how they need to be improved.

Through our seminars, you will engage in robust conversation on the state of environmental laws and the movement, the issues and what’s needed to advocate for better environmental laws. We will also have the opportunity to do a cultural tour with a local Ngunnawal traditional custody early on in the semester, centring First Nations perspectives on Country as a foundation for the course. Our seminars will involve some guest lectures from people working in different aspects of environmental law, and from different perspectives.

What does a typical clinic day look like?

This is a remote clinic, which means you will be able to work from the comfort of your home (or another private space). The benefit of working remotely is that you will be working with lawyers from across the country on exciting and innovative areas of environmental law, and on issues such as fracking, water and corporate accountability. You’ll work from 9.30 to 5pm on tasks such as legal research, drafting advice or legal education pieces.

What students would be a good fit for this Clinic?

You will be a good fit for this clinic if you have an interest in the environment. You are a motivated student who can work independently. You will ideally have already studied admin law.

I participated in the Environmental Law Clinic last year, where I was placed on the Northern Territory Healthy Environment and Justice team. I worked on environmental litigation, mining and water law reform submissions, legal research, heritage law and other topics. The work was interesting and enjoyable and was a huge benefit to my practical legal skills. I worked under some incredible lawyers who offered meaningful work, guidance and feedback. My peers worked in a variety of other areas, including criminal law, the EDO National Intake, and other State and Territory teams. The Clinic is a unique opportunity, and for me changed my outlook on environmental law and the role strategic litigation in our legal system. - Sam Stoljar

I was eager to undertake a clinical placement to get some immersion in a professional legal environment, and I am so glad I ended up choosing the Environmental Law Clinic. My supervisors at the Environmental Defenders Office were fantastic at setting work which challenged and developed a range of my legal skills. As the placement was online, the work related to various matters from around the country. This gave me an opportunity to learn about an assortment of environmental harms, and about the various legal frameworks which govern them. I found the clinic to be dynamic, informative and deeply engaging. - Maggie Dorey