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ABA Law Student PodcastPresented by the American Bar Associations Law Student Division, the ABA Law Student Podcast covers issues that affect law students, law schools, and recent grads. Author: American Bar Association
Presented by the American Bar Associations Law Student Division, the ABA Law Student Podcast covers issues that affect law students, law schools, and recent grads. From finals and graduation to the bar exam and finding a job, this show is your trusted resource for the next big step. Language: en Genres: Business, Careers, Education Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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From Superfund to Solar: Prof. Michael Gerrard on the Evolution of Environmental Law
Monday, 16 February, 2026
Environmental law has shifted dramatically over the last few decades. What started as a battle against pollution and hazardous waste has evolved into a massive sector focused on the energy transition and infrastructure development. Michael Gerrard shares stories from his 30-year career in private practice, including his work on the environmental permitting for the World Trade Center redevelopment after 9/11.Key Takeaways:Rebuilding History: The unique challenges of managing environmental review for the World Trade Center site.The Energy Transition: How the field is moving from "anti-pollution" lawsuits to facilitating the construction of renewable energy and transmission.Collaborative Practice: The intellectual reward of working alongside engineers, hydrologists, and biologists to solve complex problems.The "Adjacent" Fields: Why students should look into Water Law (especially in the West) and Toxic Torts.(00:00) - Introduction: Why Environmental Law is the Most Tangible Field (02:45) - From West Virginia to Big Law: Michael Gerrard’s Career Path (05:45) - Case Study: Permitting the World Trade Center Redevelopment After 9/11 (07:23) - Myth Buster: Do You Need a Science Degree to Practice Environmental Law? (08:56) - The Shift: Moving from Pollution Control to the Energy Transition (12:15) - Shared Values: Working in NGOs vs. Large Law Firms (14:24) - Specialization: Clean Air Act, Water Law, and Toxic Torts (18:58) - 1L Advice: Why You Should Take "Tax" and "Corporations" (22:42) - Best Resources: Legal Planet, Grist, and Student Journals (24:02) - Current Landscape: Navigating Regulatory Changes and Political Shifts (25:37) - Finding Hope: Solar Prices, EVs, and the Role of Law in the Climate Crisis (28:08) - Host Debrief: Why Environmental Law Touches Every Practice Area (32:59) - Curriculum Chat: Water Law and Renewable Energy Courses Click here to view the episode transcript.
