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

Environmental Legislative Preview for the 2027 Iowa Legislative Session promotional image

Environmental Legislative Preview for the 2027 Iowa Legislative Session

Monday, November 2, 2026 12:30pm to 2:00pm
Boyd Law Building

What environmental and natural resource issues could be on the agenda when the Iowa Legislature returns in January? Join the Environmental Law Society and the Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative for a preview of the 2027 Iowa legislative session with Kerri Johannsen, Senior Director of Policy and Programs at the Iowa Environmental Council, and Threase Harms, president and CEO of Advocacy Strategies. Drawing on their extensive experience with Iowa policy and the legislative process, Johannsen...

Healthy Iowa: Environmental Science, Public Health Data, and the Law promotional image

Healthy Iowa: Environmental Science, Public Health Data, and the Law

Monday, November 9, 2026 12:30pm to 2:00pm
Boyd Law Building

Environmental contaminants, from PFAS and pesticides to emerging contaminants that may not yet be fully understood, raise complicated questions for communities: What are we being exposed to? What are the potential health effects? How do we know when there is a problem? Who is responsible? And what can communities and individuals do when contamination is discovered?

This public-facing panel will bring together experts in science, public health, and environmental law to explore those questions and...

2026 Environmental Law Seminar promotional image

2026 Environmental Law Seminar

Friday, November 13, 2026 8:00am to 5:00pm
Boyd Law Building

The 2026 Environmental Law Seminar is a dynamic CLE program navigating the intricacies of environmental law and its broader impact. Propel your practice forward by being a pioneer in environmental law's evolution in Iowa.

REGISTRATION FEES
More information coming soon.

ATTENDANCE OPTIONS
In-person attendance will take place simultaneously at both the Boyd Law Building (130 Byington Rd., Iowa City, IA 52246) and the ISBA Building (625 E. Court Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309). Lunch is provided to in...

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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 Us

Contact ELS leadership at [email protected] 

Get involved

Get involved with Iowa ELS!