New York University

Overview

The Environmental and Energy Law LLM program at New York University offers a comprehensive examination of the legal frameworks governing environmental protection and energy regulation. This one-year, full-time program focuses on climate governance, the energy transition, and land-use policy, providing students with the skills necessary to address real-world legal and policy challenges in these critical areas.

What you'll study

Core and seminar-based learning

• Environmental & Energy Law Colloquium (includes an additional writing credit)
• Environmental Law
• Energy Law: Regulation and Policy
• International Environmental Law Seminar

Electives and tailored study

Students have the opportunity to select additional courses that align with their professional interests. Elective topics may include environmental justice, land use, housing-related legal issues, and other areas that intersect law, policy, and society.

Experiential learning

Where available, students can engage in clinics that provide practical experience through supervised legal work and research. Notable examples include:

• Environmental Law Clinic (public interest litigation in collaboration with partner organizations)
• UN Diplomacy Clinic (advocacy and representation focusing on international policy contexts)

Assessment

Assessment methods typically include a mix of written assignments, seminar participation, and course projects, with specific grading components varying by course.

Entry requirements

Applicants are generally expected to hold a first degree in law or a closely related field that provides a solid foundation for graduate legal studies. Those with a background outside of law may need to demonstrate relevant coursework or professional experience.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Environmental and Energy Law LLM program are well-equipped to pursue careers in various sectors, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, private legal practice, and international institutions. The skills acquired in this program prepare students to tackle pressing environmental and energy-related legal challenges in a rapidly evolving global landscape.