University of Virginia School of Law - Program in Environmental and Land Use Law (JD)

http://www.law.virginia.edu/html/academics/environment/env_program.htm

Charlottesville, VA
Professor Jonathan Z. Cannon
Director, Environmental and Land Use Law Program
(434) 924-3819
jzc8j@virginia.edu

One of the greatest challenges facing the world today is to foster sustainable communities and ensure the environment’s long-term health. Meeting this challenge requires land use and environmental policies grounded in law, science, economics, ethics, psychology and politics. It also requires attention to the intersection of local, state, national and international policies. The environmental and land use law program at the University of Virginia aims to develop leaders who combine knowledge in these fields with the skills to put sound policy into practice at all levels of government. The program joins outstanding legal teaching and scholarship with opportunities for interdisciplinary study and practical training.

The environmental and land use law program includes more than 15 elective courses and seminars. Students can also receive credit for independent research on environmental
issues. Recent research topics have included global climate change, watershed management in South Africa, land conservation in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and regional land use and growth-management policies.

Environmental Law and Conservation Clinic
Students in the clinic represent environmental nonprofits, citizens’ groups and other community organizations seeking to protect and restore the environment of Virginia and other parts of the country. Students participate in a range of activities that are central to the practice of environmental law, including commenting on administrative rules, participating in permitting proceedings, advocacy before state administrative agencies and boards, factual investigations and litigation.

Retrieved from University of Virginia School of Law website on 12/19/2009.