Environmental law is a dynamic field that evolves rapidly with new challenges as they emerge but also against the backdrop of the politics of state and federal administrations. Regulatory focus shifts from administration to administration and crisis to crisis, creating a challenging area of law for those who practice it.

 Our guest, David Mandelbaum, is a shareholder with the firm of Greenberg Traurig and has practiced environmental law since 1984. He’s seen a lot, from focusing on solid waste landfills decades ago to today’s challenges created by a changing climate. 

Legal procedures vary from state to state in addition to how the federal government oversees environmental issues, challenging practitioners to understand the law and the issues and the procedural process. Laws and statutes are in constant flux.

For newer lawyers, Mandelbaum says the constant changes in the field of environmental law level the playing field between experienced attorneys and those getting out of law school. Changes come so fast that a new lawyer who has studied the latest regulations and cases can be on equal footing with someone who has practiced in the field for decades. In this field, it’s never “the way we’ve always done it.”

If you’ve ever considered a career in environmental law, this discussion may open your eyes to new opportunities.

Resources:

“SEC Adopts Rules to Enhance and Standardize Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors,” SEC.gov

Superfunds and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

“EPA Imposes First National Limits On 'Forever Chemicals' In Drinking Water,” NBC news

Pennsylvania Environmental Law Forum 2024

Different Career Paths in Environmental Law

Nurturing the Future of Animal Law

American Bar Association on Environment, Energy, and Resources

American Bar Association

American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division