Environmental law and policy are often about change, and since change can be threatening to those who benefit from the status quo, it is no surprise that consensus on environmental issues is difficult to achieve. For that reason, environmental professionals understand that sound environmental policy must be formed at the intersection of politics, law, science, economics, and ethics. The Environmental Law Center combines the core strengths of the School with the talent and expertise of leading environmental practitioners and scholars to provide an unmatched interdisciplinary training for lawyers and other professionals who seek to serve in the field of environmental law and policy. The Environmental Law Center is part of Vermont Law School, which is a private, independent institution accredited by the American Bar Association, the Association of American Law Schools, and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The ELC is housed in its own building on the law school campus and shares the law school's resources and facilities.
Instruction is provided by members of the law school faculty and adjunct professors.
Master's degree candidates are enrolled in courses with law students, thus benefitting from the challenges of a law school atmosphere. The ELC conducts environmental conferences and workshops, performs environmental legal research on special projects, and sponsors a variety of internship and experiential learning opportunities. Res Communes , the Vermont Journal of the Environment, is a multi-disciplinary internet publication sponsored by the ELC which offers scholars and professionals a global platform to present their views on contemporary issues. The ELC also administers the popular Summer Session with approximately 30 courses taught by leading environmental professionals. The ELC welcomes students with strong liberal arts, science, and engineering backgrounds.