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Environmental Law

LLM in Environmental Law

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About the LLM in Environmental Law
Degree Requirements
Program Information and Specializations
LLM Fellowships

About the LLM in Environmental Law

The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University was one of the first law schools in the country to develop a comprehensive and integrated curriculum in environmental law. With it came a commitment to ensure the sustainability of our natural and built environments. As the environmental program grew and prospered, it consistently achieved one of the highest rankings in the nation as an academic and action center.

Degree Requirements

Both US-trained and international candidates must complete a minimum of 24 credits. The LLM in Environmental Law may be completed in two full-time semesters, although some students choose to take three semesters or more. Except with special permission of the Academic Dean, students must complete the LLM degree within three (3) years of matriculation. International students must complete Introduction to American Legal Systems and Introduction to US Legal Research and achieve at least a 2.33 grade point average. US-trained students must achieve a grade point average of 2.67. Unless registered in a specialized track, candidates are required to take the following courses:

LLM candidates must complete either one major research paper or a LLM thesis.

Program Information and Specializations

Haub Law’s LLM in environmental law prepares lawyers to address the scientific, economic and political forces that shape the environment and to work for outcomes that protect our natural surroundings and promote smart and sustainable development. Over 40 environmental courses are available to satisfy the requirements for the LLM in Environmental Law as well as the scholarly research degree of Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) in Environmental Law.

The LLM program also offers three optional specializations in Global Environmental Law, Land Use and Sustainable Development Law, and Energy and Climate Change Law.

Global Environmental Law

Land Use and Sustainable Development Law

  • With the nation’s oldest and most active Land Use Law Center and a faculty that includes leading scholars in various areas of land use, green development, climate change, and sustainability law, Haub Law offers LLM candidates the opportunity to study law and policy with renowned experts. We offer a Specialization in Land Use and Sustainable Development Law within our renowned LLM in Environmental Law curriculum. This specialization trains lawyers to confront and overcome challenges arising from the need to develop and redevelop human settlements in an environmentally sensitive, commercially viable, and ecologically sustainable manner, both domestically and internationally.

Energy and Climate Change Law

LLM Environmental Fellow & Scholars

LLM Fellow receive a full tuition waiver and a modest stipend to cover living expenses. To apply for the Fellowship you must be first admitted to our LLM in Environmental Law Program. Fellowship applications is now open.

LLM Scholars is an academic opportunity that allows an LLM candidate to receive a significant tuition discount while engaging with a specific Center, Project, or Initiative at Pace University on various research projects, events, and other programmatic activities throughout their LLM program (August 2026 – May 2027). LLM Scholars will receive guidance and mentoring from a designated faculty member as well as opportunities to build leadership skills.

  • The Fellow will support new Environmental Law Program initiatives as they are developed and implemented and assist with the National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition, among other tasks. The Fellow will work part-time in the Pace | Haub Environmental Law Program while working towards an LLM in Environmental Law.

    How to Apply

    You must complete BOTH Steps 1 and 2

    Step 1: Apply for the LLM in Environmental Law

    Step 2: Submit a cover letter (detailing your interest in this fellowship) and resume or curriculum vitae.
    Please make sure to mark ‘yes to the question “Are you an active Pace University Student?” even if you have not received your decision yet. Please note: We will not be able to see your application to this position if you mark ’no’ to this question.

    Questions? Email Professor Achinthi Vithanage, Executive Director of Environmental Law Programs

  • About the Land Use Law Center:

    Established in 1993, the Pace Land Use Law Center is dedicated to fostering the development of sustainable communities and regions through the promotion of innovative land use strategies and collaborative decision-making techniques, as well as leadership training, research, education, and technical assistance. The Land Use Law Center is a national leader in developing resources and training programs that support local governments in addressing urgent and cutting edge environmental and sustainable development issues, including climate change. Learn more about LULA training program and technical assistance.

    LULC LLM Scholar Opportunities & Expectations:

    • Support the delivery of, and participate in, a Land Use Law Alliance (LULA) training program.
    • Support the delivery of, and participate in the annual Alfred B. DelBello Land Use and Sustainable Development Conference.
    • Conduct legal research in the fields of land use law, sustainable development law, energy siting law, local government law, or historic preservation law under the guidance and supervision of LULC attorneys and faculty.
    • Serve as an editor of the American Bar Association State and Local Government Urban Lawyer publication.
    • Organize a co-project/event between the LULC and the Environmental Law Society Land Use Division.
    • Receive mentorship and guidance from LULC attorneys and faculty.
    • Potential Teaching Assistant for credit opportunity for the right candidate.

    Requirements:

    • Demonstrated interest in Land Use Law and Sustainable Development Law.
    • Pursuing the Land Use & Sustainable Development LLM specialization.
    • Strong research and writing skills.

    How to Apply?

    To apply for an LLM Scholar position, please submit a Personal Statement (1 page, single spaced) with your LLM Application detailing your suitability for a particular LLM Scholar position with a specific Center, Project, or Initiative. Submit a separate statement for each LLM Scholar position that you would like to be considered for. Apply for the LLM in Environmental Law.

    Questions? Email Professor Achinthi Vithanage, Executive Director of Environmental Law Programs

  • About the Sustainable Business Law Hub:

    The Sustainable Business Law Hub serves as an incubator space, student-training program, research endeavor, and think tank devoted to addressing global sustainability challenges through policy and research projects, relationships with the business community, and capacity building in private environmental governance.

    Hub LLM Scholar Opportunities & Expectations:

    • Support the delivery of, and participate in the Workshop on Private Environmental Governance, Hub Advisory Board Meetings, and the Westchester County Association Profit and Purpose Conference.
    • Launch and participate in quarterly sustainable business law discussion forums for Scholars and Advisors.
    • Conduct legal research in the fields of sustainable business law under the guidance and supervision of Hub faculty.
    • Co-author a paper with Hub Faculty Director, Prof. Joshua Galperin, for presentation at the Hub Workshop.
    • Receive mentorship and guidance from Hub Faculty Director and Hub Board Advisors.
    • Potential Teaching Assistant for credit opportunity for the right candidate.

    Requirements:

    • Demonstrated interest in Sustainable Business Law or ESG.
    • Pursuing the Environmental LLM and taking two or more courses related to Sustainable Business Law.
    • Strong research and writing skills.

    How to Apply?

    To apply for an LLM Scholar position, please submit a Personal Statement (1 page, single spaced) with your LLM Application detailing your suitability for a particular LLM Scholar position with a specific Center, Project, or Initiative. Submit a separate statement for each LLM Scholar position that you would like to be considered for. Apply for the LLM in Environmental Law.

    Questions? Email Professor Achinthi Vithanage, Executive Director of Environmental Law Programs

  • About the Global Center for Environmental Legal Studies:

    The Global Center for Environmental Legal Studies (GCELS) anchors innovative and ongoing projects to develop necessary laws to address the world’s most pressing global environmental issues. Our work is guided by the paramount need to ensure human rights and environmental justice for communities most affected by climate change and environmental degradation. Through GCELS, Pace Haub Law is one of only two law schools that is a voting member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the world’s oldest and largest global environmental network. This affords our students exceptional opportunities for research, engagement, and collaboration on pressing global environmental issues.

    GCELS LLM Scholar Opportunities & Expectations:

    • Support the delivery of, and participate in, the Haub Diplomacy Award Ceremony and Haub Award Jury Meetings.
    • Support GCELS-led IUCN Resolutions implementation.
    • Develop and maintain a GCELS alumni database.
    • Conduct legal research on international environmental law under GCELS faculty supervision.
    • Organize an event between GCELS and the Environmental Law Society International Law Division.
    • Receive mentorship and guidance from GCELS faculty.
    • Potential Teaching Assistant for credit opportunity for the right candidate.

    Requirements:

    • Demonstrated interest in International Environmental Law.
    • Pursuing the Global Environmental Law LLM specialization.
    • Strong research and writing skills.

    How to Apply?

    To apply for an LLM Scholar position, please submit a Personal Statement (1 page, single spaced) with your LLM Application detailing your suitability for a particular LLM Scholar position with a specific Center, Project, or Initiative. Submit a separate statement for each LLM Scholar position that you would like to be considered for. Apply for the LLM in Environmental Law.

    Questions? Email Professor Achinthi Vithanage, Executive Director of Environmental Law Programs

  • About the Pace Food Law Center:

    The Pace Food Law Center supports the transition to a just and sustainable food system, by providing legal services and advocacy, scholarship, and student education. Through our Food and Farm Business Law Clinic, we address the unmet legal needs of farmers, food and beverage entrepreneurs, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen food sovereignty in disadvantaged communities, foster the growth of alternative models of food production and distribution, and promote the emergence of a more sustainable climate-friendly food system.

    PFLC LLM Scholar Opportunities & Expectations:

    • Support the work conducted by the Food and Farm Business Law Clinic.
    • Conduct legal research on food law, agriculture law, small business and non-profit law under PFLC faculty supervision.
    • Produce an annual report for the PFLC.
    • Organize a co-project/event between the PFLC and the Environmental Law Society Food & Agriculture Division.
    • Receive mentorship and guidance from PFLC faculty.
    • Potential Teaching Assistant and Guided Research for credit opportunities for the right candidate.
    • Potential opportunity to enroll in the Food and Farm Business Law Clinic for 6 credits in Spring for the right candidate and subject to prerequisites being met. The regulatory and transactional course pre-requisites may be waived, or taken concurrently in exceptional circumstances. [Prerequisites: Professional Responsibility plus one regulatory course (Environmental Skills, Environmental Survey, Administrative Law, or Food Law) and one transactional course (Corporations, Drafting Legal Documents, Business Planning, Environmental Law in Commercial Transactions, or Real Estate Transactions).]

    Requirements:

    • Demonstrated interest in Food Law or Agriculture Law.
    • Pursuing the Environmental LLM and taking two or more of the following courses: Food Systems Law, Food and Agriculture Law, Animal Law, Non-Profit Law.
    • Strong research and writing skills.

    How to Apply?

    To apply for an LLM Scholar position, please submit a Personal Statement (1 page, single spaced) with your LLM Application detailing your suitability for a particular LLM Scholar position with a specific Center, Project, or Initiative. Submit a separate statement for each LLM Scholar position that you would like to be considered for. Apply for the LLM in Environmental Law.

    Questions? Email Professor Achinthi Vithanage, Executive Director of Environmental Law Programs

  • About the Pace Environmental Litigation Clinic:

    The Pace Environmental Litigation Clinic represents public interest environmental groups bringing citizen enforcement actions in state and federal courts on a variety of environmental and land use issues, including water pollution, compliance with environmental review requirements, and cleanup of toxic sites. These citizen suits are the last line of defense in protecting the environment and also serve to compel EPA and state environmental agencies to do the job they are required to do to protect the environment. Law students working under the supervision of a law school professor represent clinic clients in various aspects of legal work, which may include researching and developing cases, drafting litigation papers, appearing in court, and preparing for and conducting hearings. The cases filed by the Clinic each year include state environmental quality review cases, cases under New York's fundamental right to a clean and healthful environment, and actions seeking to require state and federal environmental agencies to comply with the law.

    PELC LLM Scholar Opportunities & Expectations:

    • Support casework for PELC and work collaboratively with PELC interns.
    • Conduct legal research and drafting related to federal and state environmental statutes under the guidance and supervision of PELC Director, Prof. Todd Ommen.
    • Receive mentorship and guidance from PELC Director, Prof. Todd Ommen.
    • Potential Teaching Assistant for credit opportunities for the right candidate.
    • Produce a semi-annual report for PELC.
    • Potential opportunity to enroll in the Pace Environmental Litigation Clinic for 6 credits in Spring for the right candidate and subject to prerequisites and corequisites being met. Prerequisites may be waived, or taken concurrently in exceptional circumstances. [Prerequisite: Environmental Skills or Environmental Survey. Corequisite: Evidence.]

    Requirements:

    • Demonstrated knowledge of and interest and/or experience in environmental litigation, application of federal and state environmental statutes, administrative challenges and citizen suits.
    • Pursuing the Environmental LLM, including the Environmental Skills course.
    • Strong research and writing skills.

    How to Apply?

    To apply for an LLM Scholar position, please submit a Personal Statement (1 page, single spaced) with your LLM Application detailing your suitability for a particular LLM Scholar position with a specific Center, Project, or Initiative. Submit a separate statement for each LLM Scholar position that you would like to be considered for. Apply for the LLM in Environmental Law.

    Questions? Email Professor Achinthi Vithanage, Executive Director of Environmental Law Programs

  • About the Animal Policy Project:

    Located within the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences at the Pleasantville Campus, the Animal Policy Project provides students with training in applied professional advocacy skills and relies on interdisciplinary research combining science, policy, and ethics. The Project includes the Animal Advocacy Clinic, an experiential course that teaches professional policy and advocacy skills through the practice of direct lobbying of legislatures and agencies regarding animal and wildlife welfare issues. Student clinicians have written legislation, lobbied in Albany, presented hearing testimony in New York City, participated in federal rule making, and more.

    Animal Policy Project LLM Scholar Opportunities & Expectations:

    • Support some of the legal research work conducted by the Animal Advocacy Clinic Work and opportunity to participate in some clinic sessions.
    • Update and contribute to the Animal Blawg under Prof. David Cassuto’s guidance.
    • Co-organize a project/event with the Pace chapter of the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund.
    • Conduct legal research in animal law under Prof. David Cassuto’s guidance.
    • Potential Teaching Assistant for credit opportunity for the right candidate.

    Requirements:

    • Demonstrated interest in Animal Law or Biodiversity Law.
    • Pursuing the Environmental LLM and taking one or more courses in Animal Law, Conservation Law, Food and Agriculture Law, or Food Systems Law.
    • Strong research and writing skills.

    How to Apply?

    To apply for an LLM Scholar position, please submit a Personal Statement (1 page, single spaced) with your LLM Application detailing your suitability for a particular LLM Scholar position with a specific Center, Project, or Initiative. Submit a separate statement for each LLM Scholar position that you would like to be considered for. Apply for the LLM in Environmental Law.

    Questions? Email Professor Achinthi Vithanage, Executive Director of Environmental Law Programs