Harrison Bench ’27: Pioneering a Future in Environmental Law and Policy

Image

Harrison Bench ’27 has always been a self-starter and highly motivated to make a lasting impact. He describes his professional career, thus far, as being marked by a robust passion for identifying and promoting policy solutions to the environmental challenges we face today. It was during high school that Harrison co-founded Students for Climate Action, an environmental non-profit organization. “The goal of Students for Climate Action is to connect youth with their elected officials to lobby for common-sense climate and renewable energy policy.”;

Harrison has had a diverse range of experiences in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. “I have worked at all levels of government, in various branches of government, and with members of both political parties to advance this mission.” These opportunities, however, taught Harrison that policy is only part of the solution. “Signing a bill into law does little if that law isn’t enforced, interpreted, and defended by a comprehensive network of attorneys in various sectors. Environmental attorneys, whether at government agencies, non-profit groups, or private firms, play a key role in the policy process.” Harrison’s varied background ultimately drove him to pursue a career in law and notably, as the first in his family to attend law school. ;

Once he decided to pursue law school, choosing the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University was an easy decision. “The Law School has a world-renowned environmental law program. It is close to my home on Long Island, a leader in the New York legal market, and offered a generous scholarship. I am ecstatic to be in New York and studying at the #1 environmental law program in the country.”;

Harrison describes his experiences at Pace Haub Law as incredible. “While I've really enjoyed the courses I've taken so far, some of my favorite experiences have been outside of the classroom. Pace Haub Law and the Environmental Program have introduced me to countless real-world opportunities, resources, and connections. Whether it be a networking happy hour, a guest lecture, or this fall's World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, I am so grateful to be at a school that prioritizes holistic and innovative approaches to legal education.”

“While I've really enjoyed the courses I've taken so far, some of my favorite experiences have been outside of the classroom. Pace Haub Law and the Environmental Program have introduced me to countless real-world opportunities, resources, and connections.

—Harrison Bench '27, Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University student

The faculty at Pace Haub Law have also stood out to Harrison since he started law school. “Professors Katy Kuh and Achinthi Vithanage have been incredible professors and mentors since my arrival. They’ve advised me on courses, introduced me to new organizations, connected me with job opportunities, and broadened my understanding of environmental law. I feel fortunate to have such dedicated, knowledgeable, and forward-thinking professors.” While at Pace Haub Law, Harrison is pursuing an Advanced Certificate in Environmental Law and a dual degree program with Yale School of the Environment, where he will graduate with both his JD and MEM (Master of Environmental Management).;

A driven student, Harrison has taken advantage of the many learning opportunities available at Pace Haub Law. During his 1L summer, he worked at the EPA's Office of Regional Counsel (New York). Last Spring, he participated in the New York Environmental Externship, where he interned at the New York State Department of Public Service (Long Island, NY). This past summer, he worked at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, LLP (New York, NY), specifically as an intern in the firm’s Sustainability Advisory Practice.;

“After graduating, I'd like to work at a law firm that specializes in environmental, climate, energy, and land use law,” shared Harrison. “I am excited to apply the skills I've learned during my time at Pace Haub Law to real-world cases, transactions, and regulatory matters. Later on, I would love to end up somewhere in the policy space, either working in government service, running for elected office, or starting my own consultancy. My professors have been inspirational and because of them, I think it would be fulfilling to teach in some capacity as well.”;

Very aware of the importance of networking, Harrison is also the Student Co-Chair of ABA SEER's Environmental Law Society Network (ELSN), an organization he has been affiliated with since his 1L year. ELSN connects environmental law students at schools across the country and provides them with professional development, substantive law, and social networking opportunities. It also serves as a conduit between law students and ABA SEER, the nation's preeminent environmental law association. He is also a Symposium Editor for the Pace Environmental Law Review. Recently, Harrison placed 2^nd in the 2025 William R. Ginsberg Memorial Essay Contest, run by NYSBA’s Environmental and Energy Law Section. His essay, “Liar, Liar, BESS on Fire,” explores the history of battery storage, recent developments in battery energy storage system (BESS) safety, and the legality of local zoning moratoria enacted against BESS facilities.

Outside of law school, Harrison enjoys hanging out with friends and family, going to concerts, and spending time at the beach. If he could give a piece of advice to future or current law students, it would be to have the courage to say no. “As a 1L, there is a lot of pressure on students to take every opportunity that is offered to them. While it's great to get involved early on, it's important to prioritize your mental health and avoid burnout. Be selective with your time; saying no to someone else allows you to say yes to yourself! The right opportunities will find their way to you, and when they do, you will feel confident accepting them.”;