ELS, founded in 1969, is the oldest student environmental law society in the nation. Since its inception, ELS has provided students with opportunities to learn about and affect current environmental law issues and policymaking. Stanford ELS graduates have gone on to practice environmental law for private firms, public interest groups, and government agencies. ELS has earned a strong reputation among practitioners.
ELS members are involved in a variety of activities that serve to bring environmental issues to the attention of the Law School and the University community. For example, this year ELS created a recycling group to address recycling issues in the Law School and beyond. As a result, the Law School has adopted policies on the use of bulletin boards and has upgraded recycling bins and services.
ELS sponsors prominent speakers from the environmental field and panel discussions on career choices in environmental law. At times ELS has also published information sheets on such topics as opportunities for influencing local environmental policy, the environmental positions of political candidates, environmental careers, and recycling. In addition, ELS is part of an informal network of Stanford undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty members who coordinate campus-wide events focusing on environmental issues. Many ELS members participate in the Stanford Environmental Law Journal.
ELS informs its members of opportunities to consult with state, regional, and local governments, as well as citizens' groups with environmental concerns. Consulting activities include research and preparation for litigation. Many ELS students also work in the Stanford Environmental Justice Clinic. ELS members also gain practical experience by interning for a semester with government and private organizations, such as the California Attorney General's Environment Section or the Natural Resources Defense Council. In addition, ELS organizes social gatherings and occasional outings to foster a sense of camaraderie.
For more information contact:
Rachel Zwillinger 2L, Co-President, rzwillin@stanford.edu
Jacek Pruski 2L, Co-President, pruski@stanford.edu