Law is a very general term that has many nuances. The many different areas of law can make choosing your career seem overwhelming. Many people are familiar with the most notable categories, such as criminal defense, family, and corporate law. Environmental law is another common area, especially considering the growing concerns over climate change. Within environmental law, water law offers a variety of career options.
To break into a career in water law, start by earning an advanced degree at McGeorge School of Law. After focusing on your education in one of our specialized degree programs, you’ll gain an advantage toward your professional goals. We offer Master of Science in Law degrees for those who want to work in the legal field and enact change but don’t want to become attorneys. Unsure what you can do with an MSL in water law? Read on to find out more.
Career Opportunities
There are plenty of ways to pursue water law after obtaining your degree.
Government
If your first thought when considering a career in water law was working in government, you were on the right track. There are plenty of government areas that work within water law. Some of the most common options are:
- Policy: Policymakers research, evaluate, and develop laws to enact in the community. Many public policy workers are in government, although they can also be in the nonprofit sector. Public policy workers in government could be policy analysts, program drafters, regulation drafters, or even public relations specialists.
- Politics: Politicians have a major hand in how the county runs. Whether on the state, federal, or local level, politicians act in the best interest of the community – a community that wants to live in an environmentally safe space. Politicians advocate and lobby to get laws passed that will protect the environment, voting as the voice of their constituents. They can also work as campaign managers and legislative analysts, bringing politicians forward who care about environmental issues and will work to protect them.
- Build awareness and educate the community
- Campaign for change on the local level, battling to resolve any issues
- Lobby on a grander scale for better regulations
- Work towards innovations and incentives that reverse existing water or environmental damage
- Raise funds that help the cause
- Engineers: Water resources or environmental engineers ensure safe water, work on issues surrounding water quality and contamination, and work towards the upkeep of healthy ecosystems
- Journalists: Journalism and responsible reporting play a vital role in ensuring accurate news reaches the public, keeping people informed and aware of how they can contribute. In a specialized field like water law, understanding the subject enables you to explain it to others who may not be familiar and to report on developments accurately.
- Land planners: Land planners oversee land development, shaping aspects like waste management and energy resources. They play a central role in ensuring that construction and development are carried out with environmental sustainability in mind.
McGeorge School of Law should be at the top of your list of prospective schools because our program offers a unique educational experience. We are rooted in California water law, benefit from experts actively engaged in shaping regulations firsthand, and are known for the strength of our skill-based, real-world curriculum.
McGeorge offers an online MSL program that gives our students flexibility in pursuing this advanced degree. It lets students continue to work or fulfill other life obligations while obtaining their MSL. Our online students get the same access to resources – a distinguished faculty, an expanding network, and when it comes to water law, expert panels and an excellent program team that work to help each of our students and graduates succeed.
If you’re considering a career in water law or if you’re already working in the field and you want to give yourself more career opportunities by continuing your education, McGeorge is the place for you. Call our admissions office today or click here to get started.