An Empirical Analysis of the Environmental Law Hiring Market from 2011-2022

Using data collected by Professor Sarah Lawsky for her annual entry-level hiring report, I analyzed trends in the hiring of environmental law professors ("ELPs") from 2011-2022. Key findings include: center dot 2022 was a strong year for ELP hiring - 11 ELPs were hired. This made up 9 percent of the total market. center dot Sixty percent of new ELPs attended a "T-14" school for their initial law degree - this is lower than the percentage of new hires from "T-14" schools across the market as a whole (75 percent). center dot Ninety-two percent of new ELPs had a fellowship and/or an additional degree. center dot Additional degrees were more common among new ELPs (79 percent) than across the market as a whole (58 percent). center dot Since 2017, 50 percent of new ELPs have possessed a doctorate degree. center dot Clerkships were less common among ELPs (43 percent) than across the market as a whole (57 percent). center dot Sixty-six percent of new ELPs practiced law in some capacity before entering academia. center dot Women made up 60 percent of ELP hires, while they made up only 46 percent of hires across the market as a whole. With this Analysis, I provide insight into the hiring market for environmental law professors. I hope this Analysis is useful and edifying for both aspiring environmental law professors and those in positions of hiring authority within the academy.