Students develop a range of legal practice skills to build community power and achieve racially, economically, and environmentally just solutions.
Drawing on principles of community and movement lawyering, the Just Transition Clinic leverages transactional law and regulatory and policy advocacy to address the disproportionate effects of climate change on low-income communities of color; prioritize worker health, dignity, and ownership, particularly for communities that have been historically excluded from the benefits of economic development; and shift economic activity to sustainable production.
In the Classroom
Students assess the principles of the environmental justice movement and apply those principles to develop legal strategies and legal practice skills. The clinic seminar, paired with weekly case meetings, establishes a theoretical and substantive framework for students’ advocacy and provides an opportunity for students to reflect on their professional identities as lawyers and the role of lawyers within community-led social movements.
In the Field
Working under the supervision of clinic faculty and in partnership with clients, students take the lead in defining the scope of their work and implementing their projects. Students develop interviewing, research, strategic analysis, written and oral advocacy, project management, and teamwork skills.
Information for Clients and Partners
The Just Transition Clinic offers free legal services to organizations and community groups that cannot afford legal counsel and whose work has a nexus with climate justice. The clinic is currently accepting clients and is open to collaboration.
If you are interested in working with us, contact Professor Camille Pannu at [email protected].