The Environmental Law Institute has selected third-year law student Rebecca Ramirez to receive a Public Interest Environmental Law Fellowship, set to begin after Ramirez graduates in May. The institute is a well-known and respected authority on environmental law located in Washington, D.C.
“I was elated when I heard I was granted the fellowship at the Environmental Law Institute,” said Ramirez, who is pursuing a joint degree in law and marine ecosystems and society at the University of Miami. Ramirez is working toward the Concentration in Environmental Law, part of the new Environmental Law Program at Miami Law led by Faculty Director Jessica Owley. “ELI is a resource I frequently consulted during my time in law school. I’m thrilled that I will have the opportunity to contribute to their efforts to advance environmental protection and environmental justice both in the U.S. and internationally.”
Ramirez, who graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts in English, knew she wanted to pursue a career in environmental law and chose to attend Miami Law specifically for its joint degree options with the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.
“Before law school, I sensed that a career in environmental law would be both intellectually and spiritually fulfilling,” said Ramirez. “The master’s program at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science has provided me with the necessary background in marine science and policy to support that endeavor.”
During her time at Miami Law, Ramirez has worked with the Human Rights Clinic and served as associate editor of the Inter-American Law Review. She’s also been involved with the Insightful Mind Initiative and the Environmental Law Society. She has interned with both the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Earthjustice. Her favorite experiences during law school have included the Human Rights Clinic and the mindfulness initiatives offered at Miami Law.
“I had the incredible opportunity to write a white paper outlining the international and regional human rights standards and legal authorities regarding women’s equality and economic rights in Anglophone Eastern and Southern African countries,” said Ramirez about her experience with the clinic. “My supervising attorney Tamar Ezer was immensely supportive throughout the duration of my time with the clinic and provided critically important feedback every step of the way. I also found great value in participating in Miami Law’s mindfulness offerings and am deeply grateful for the valuable mentorship and programming provided by Scott Rogers, director of the Mindfulness in Law Program.”
Ramirez’s long-term career goal is to practice environmental law for a non-profit on issues relating to oceans, coasts, and wetlands, clean water, endangered species, and clean energy.
Read about Miami Law’s environment law program
