ELS, founded in 1969, is the oldest student environmental law society in the nation. Since its inception, ELS has provided students with opportunities to engage with environmental law issues, environmental professionals, and each other.
ELS is dedicated to building an environmental community at Stanford Law School. ELS sponsors events showcasing prominent speakers from the environmental field and organizes panel discussions on career options in environmental law. ELS also organizes social activities such as hikes, ski trips, and stargazing. At times ELS has also published information sheets on topics such as opportunities for influencing local environmental policy, the environmental positions of political candidates, environmental careers, and recycling. Many ELS members participate in the Stanford Environmental Law Journal and Environmental Law Clinic.
ELS is also dedicated to encouraging sustainability at Stanford Law School and the greater University. This year, members of ELS were instrumental in executing the law school’s initiative to reduce the consumption of bottled water by providing every student, faculty and staff with stainless steel, SLS-emblazoned water bottles. Last year, ELS led efforts to implement a comprehensive composting program during the law school Admit Weekend, creating a zero-waste environment at several of the weekend’s meals. In previous years, ELS created a recycling group to address recycling issues in the Law School, which lead to the administration taking steps to improve recycling. In addition, ELS is part of the broader network of Stanford undergraduates, graduate students, programs, and faculty members who coordinate campus-wide events focusing on environmental issues.
ELS members also gain practical experience by interning over the summer with government and private organizations, such as the California Attorney General's Environment Section, Department of Justice-Environment and Natural Resources Division, and the Natural Resources Defense Council. Stanford ELS graduates have gone on to practice environmental law for private firms, public interest groups, and government agencies.