About the University of Iowa Environmental Law Society

In 1978, the Environmental Law Society (ELS) was organized by students to enrich the curricular and research offerings. ELS has provided a forum for environmental law topics by sponsoring lectures and hosting symposia in natural resources, energy, and environmental law. 

These events have increased in frequency since the advent of HELI, who partners on numerous events and programming with ELS. 

Today, the purpose of the Environmental Law Society (ELS) is to enable law and university students to engage with environmental law and policy issues through volunteer and informational events. ELS also facilitates professional networking for law students. 

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Upcoming Events

ELS hosts events and partners with other UI and community groups to collaborate on events. Everyone is welcomed to attend these events!

Upcoming ELS Events

Law and Legacy: A Reception with the Next Generation of Lawyers promotional image

Law and Legacy: A Reception with the Next Generation of Lawyers

Friday, September 26, 2025 4:30pm to 6:00pm
Courtyard Iowa City University Heights
This unique twist on a networking reception will convene Iowa Law students, alumni, and legal practitioners from the region to kick-off Homecoming Weekend in Iowa City. Join us for engaging sessions with students, as they share their aspirations and build valuable relationships with those already working across the legal spectrum.This event is free but registration is required: https://uiowa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0oLyBbMQENHyMdgThis year’s event also marks a special milestone—the 25th...
The Private Sector and the Planet: Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Corporate Governance and Reporting promotional image

The Private Sector and the Planet: Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Corporate Governance and Reporting

Monday, September 29, 2025 12:45pm to 2:00pm
Boyd Law Building
Join the Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative, Vanderbilt Law School’s Private Climate Governance Lab, and the Tippie Social Impact Community for the kickoff of The Private Sector and the Planet speaker series. The first talk in this series is a fireside chat with Jill Sanchez, Vice President of Financial Reporting at Deere & Company. VP Sanchez will give a talk on:"Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Corporate Governance and Reporting"As businesses strive to meet changing stakeholder...
Waters of the United States: POTUS, SCOTUS, WOTUS, and the Politics of a National Resource with Royal C. Gardner promotional image

Waters of the United States: POTUS, SCOTUS, WOTUS, and the Politics of a National Resource with Royal C. Gardner

Friday, October 10, 2025 12:45pm to 2:00pm
Boyd Law Building
Join Royal C. Gardner, the Professor of Law, Hugh F. Culverhouse Chair, and Director of the Stetson Institute for Biodiversity Law and Policy at Stetson Law, when he discusses his new book Waters of the United States: POTUS, SCOTUS, WOTUS, and the Politics of a National Resource, published by Island Press. In 2023, the Supreme Court made one of its most devastating rulings in environmental history in Sackett v. EPA. By narrowing the legal definition of ‘waters of the United States’ (WOTUS), the...
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Join us in exploring the fascinating world of environmental law, while advocating for sustainability, clean energy, and a greener future. From exciting events to insightful discussions, we've got a lot in store for you!

We're here to provide you with valuable resources to help you navigate the environmental law sector through networking opportunities, job listings, and peer advising.

Whether you are set on an environmental law career or simply intrigued by the subject, we are the org for you!

Stay tuned for updates, events, and opportunities.

 

 

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Contact ELS leadership at studorg-envlawsocy@uiowa.edu 

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