As companies and organizations across the globe launch more sustainability initiatives, they must rely on knowledgeable policy professionals to guide them through the nuances of maintaining legal and ethical sustainability requirements.
For those interested in sustainability who can see themselves in a role responsible for advising companies on their sustainability initiatives, then completing a Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) degree can help build the foundational knowledge and skill set needed in this line of work.
The Role of M.L.S. Degrees in Bridging Law and Sustainability
While sustainability and law may at first seem like separate realms, the reality is that today's sustainability initiatives are under more legal and regulatory scrutiny than ever before. Not only are strict environmental laws in place to address global climate change, but organizations embarking on sustainability initiatives may also be held to standards related to data privacy, technology, and more.
What Are the Core Objectives of an M.L.S. Degree?
At its core, an M.L.S. degree program is designed specifically for professionals working in law-adjacent roles who could benefit from an advanced understanding of how laws and regulations affect their specific industry.
At the University of Miami School of Law, for instance, the M.L.S. degree is offered in numerous industry-specific tracks — including healthcare, technology, finance, real estate, and human resources. This allows students to focus specifically on legal studies as they relate to the field in which they work. Likewise, a general legal studies track covers core topics such as communication skills and ethical foundations of risk and compliance.
The Evolution of Legal Studies Toward Sustainability
Over the course of the past several decades, there has been a significant shift in compliance programs as they relate to sustainability. For example, earlier laws and regulations were focused more on legal risks (like controlling air and water pollution). By the 1990s, increased scrutiny of unsustainable corporate practices made apparent the need for the more robust compliance standards that are in place today.
Key Legal Frameworks Influencing Sustainability Practices
Over the years, several key legal frameworks have had a major impact on sustainability practices across a range of industries. Examples include the Clean Air Act (CAA), the Clean Water Act (CWA), and the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Overview of the Clean Air Act and Its Impact on Sustainability
Enacted in 1970, the Clean Air Act set a number of requirements with long-term sustainability in mind. For instance, the CAA created regulations related to vehicle emissions and air pollutants across specific industries in an effort to improve air quality across the board. Since the CAA was enacted, air quality has improved substantially across the United States as fewer pollutants (such as lead, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide) have been released into the air.
Significance of the Clean Water Act in Environmental Law
Similar to the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act of 1972 aimed to reduce pollutants making their way into the U.S. water system. Likewise, this act gave the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to enact certain pollution control programs, including the establishment of wastewater standards for specific industries. This important environmental law was among the first to bring awareness to the need for companies to implement their own sustainability initiatives.
The Endangered Species Act and Biodiversity Conservation
The Endangered Species Act of 1973 provided a much-needed legal framework for the protection of endangered and threatened species, along with their natural habitats. More specifically, this act established strict regulations related to the import and export of certain species, conservation planning, and biodiversity conservation.
Individuals or companies determined to be acting in violation of the ESA could face lawsuits, civil and criminal penalties, and confiscation of equipment — demonstrating the government's willingness to hold businesses accountable for their practices.
Sustainability in the Legal Realm: Current Trends and Challenges
The Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act were just the beginning of a series of laws and compliance regulations that would change the sustainability landscape in America. Today, we continue to witness trends such as the rise of environmental justice and legal representation — as well as some unique challenges in enforcing sustainability laws.
The Rise of Environmental Justice and Legal Representation
Some would argue that the environmental justice movement began long before the first major environmental protection laws were passed. However, the general consensus is that the rise of environmental justice was really spearheaded in the 1980s, when protests occurred after the North Carolina state government planned to store toxic materials in a predominantly poor, African-American community.
These protests gained national attention, bringing to light the need for legal representation and a fight for environmental justice — particularly for those in communities and populations most affected by such environmental factors.
Challenges in Enforcing Sustainability Laws
While there may be more sustainability laws in place than ever before, enforcing them is often easier said than done. In fact, various factors can make enforcing these laws challenging, including:
- Lack of resources, especially funding for surveillance and monitoring systems that would catch individuals or companies in the act of breaking compliance laws.
- Political resistance, particularly from politicians who are less concerned about sustainability practices and more worried about economic growth.
- Issues with geographical boundaries and jurisdiction, which can blur lines between which agencies are responsible for enforcement.
Case Studies: Successes in Sustainable Legal Practices
Despite the inherent challenges that accompany enacting and enforcing sustainability laws and regulations, there have been plenty of success stories over the years. Numerous businesses across the country and globe have found ways to implement their own sustainability initiatives while respecting applicable laws and regulations.
One prime example of this is the Etsy platform, which empowers artists and other creatives to sell their products to an audience of customers across the globe. In an effort to reduce carbon emissions related to shipping packages to consumers, Etsy has entered into partnerships with renewable energy companies to help fund emission reduction projects, including solar farms and wind farms. As a result, Etsy has counteracted its carbon emissions produced from shipping and improved its reputation among eco-conscious consumers.
The Intersection of Law, Sustainability, and Technology
Contemporary professionals working in corporate sustainability compliance must both leverage technology to create sustainable legal solutions as well as maintain data privacy and stay on top of future trends in environmental law.
Leveraging Technology for Sustainable Legal Solutions
Technology has come a long way in the past few decades, including its use in crafting sustainable legal solutions. Today, for example, cloud-based systems make it possible to implement energy-efficient technologies across industries. Meanwhile, as technology continues to automate more tedious legal work, this opens up more time and resources for law professionals to focus on other aspects of their work.
Data Privacy and Security Concerns in Sustainability Practices
Despite significant technological advancements, some challenges remain when it comes to sustainability practices and compliance. Corporate sustainability compliance professionals, for instance, must be aware of specific challenges related to data privacy and security. This includes security concerns surrounding the collection of sensitive data about impacted communities, third-party access, potential data breaches, and more. Experts in this area should understand the steps involved in mitigating these risks, including:
- Encrypting data
- Minimizing the amount of data collected
- Implementing access controls
- Performing regular data audits
Artificial intelligence (AI) has made its way into many industries — and environmental law is no exception. Today, both AI and blockchain technology can be used to improve environmental compliance in a number of ways. For example, AI monitoring may make it possible to collect and review sustainability data in real time. This, in conjunction with blockchain technology and predictive analytics, may make it possible to further improve environmental protection and sustainability efforts.
Only time will tell the true impact that these technologies will have on environmental law and sustainability — but, at least for now, outcomes are looking promising.
Preparing for a Career at the Intersection of Law and Sustainability
For those interested in a career in corporate sustainability compliance or another law-adjacent role in sustainability, certain skills and knowledge are essential in order to remain relevant and carry out responsibilities with confidence.
Essential Skills for Success in Sustainable Legal Careers
To succeed in a sustainable legal or law-adjacent career, a strong understanding of today's legal and regulatory framework is necessary. This includes not just environmental laws already in place to promote sustainability but also the regulatory boards and other agencies that enforce these laws.
Likewise, professionals in law-adjacent sustainability careers should possess strong verbal and written communication skills, as they are often tasked with explaining compliance issues to those who do not have a legal background.
M.L.S. Programs Specializing in Environmental Law and Policy
To learn more about environmental protection laws, corporate sustainability compliance, or related policies, pursuing an M.L.S. program can be an ideal way to build knowledge while developing key skills in this area. Plus, some M.L.S. programs even offer specialized tracks to study the topics or industries that are most relevant to one’s professional goals.
For busy working professionals, some M.L.S. programs may be offered online with asynchronous class meetings to suit work schedules. This allows students to work toward an advanced degree without having to put other areas of life on hold.
Networking and Professional Development Opportunities
For those wanting to enter a law-adjacent role in sustainability, another crucial consideration is networking and professional development, which can help take a career to the next level. Take advantage of various opportunities to network with others in one’s field as part of an M.L.S. program.
In addition to networking in a degree program, attending industry events as a way to meet new people and forge new connections is another opportunity. Combined with taking advantage of professional development opportunities as they present themselves, this can help hone skills while differentiating oneself in the field. Over time, it may even be possible to build one’s own following as an industry thought leader — which could open doors of opportunity for career advancement and other ventures in sustainability.
Ready to Explore an M.L.S. Program?
With so many complexities, environmental protection laws, and compliance requirements to navigate in launching any sustainability initiative, companies are turning to professionals with solid legal knowledge in this area more than ever. Specifically, the topics covered in a Master of Legal Studies program helps gain the expertise and skills necessary to advise clients on critical topics like corporate sustainability compliance and sustainability and law.
The University of Miami School of Law is proud to provide an online Master of Legal Studies degree to suit busy schedules. The 30-credit general legal studies track is designed to equip non-lawyer professionals and those in law-adjacent fields with a better understanding of the legal world and field-relevant law.
Discover more about the online Master of Legal Studies program by requesting further information, or complete an online application for admission today.
https://admissions.law.miami.edu/academics/MLS/
https://admissions.law.miami.edu/academics/mls/curriculum/#general
https://www.energy.gov/lm/environmental-justice-history
https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/sustainable-technology
https://www.epa.gov/climate-change/climate-change-regulatory-actions-and-initiatives
www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-clean-air-act
https://ijor.co.uk/ijor/article/view/5519?articlesBySimilarityPage=9
https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/history-clean-water-act
https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-endangered-species-act
