According to this article in The Conversation, Green jobs are booming, but too few employees have the sustainability skills to fill them. The article discussed ALL jobs widely needed for society today and tomorrow. The article was also US-centric, though it could be said that its core message would be applicable to all other countries too.
What about lawyers then? How and where can lawyers get training or upskill for green jobs, ESG jobs and sustainability jobs? Thankfully there are a growing variety of ways today. More so than there were even just five years ago. Here are a few examples:
Environmental and energy law programs: Many law schools offer specialised programs in environmental and energy law, which include courses on topics such as climate change, renewable energy, and natural resources law. These programs can provide a strong foundation for a career in green jobs.
ESG and sustainability programs: Some law schools (more so in the US) also offer specialised programs in ESG and sustainability, which cover topics such as corporate social responsibility, sustainable finance, and impact investing.
Internships: Many organisations that work on environmental and energy issues, ESG and sustainability offer internships to law students and young lawyers. These internships can provide valuable hands-on experience and an introduction to the field.
Conferences, seminars, and workshops: Law organisations, Bar associations, environmental groups, and law firms hold conferences, seminars, and workshops on environmental law, ESG, and sustainability, which can provide valuable insights and knowledge on the latest developments in the field.
Certification programs: Some organisations offer certification programs that allow lawyers to specialise in environmental, ESG, or sustainability law. These programs typically require the completion of specific coursework and the passing of an exam.
Know-how and content-sharing sites: Information and knowledge sharing have exploded in recent times and many legal organisations, action groups and even non-profit organisations offer valuable content on their websites for free and easy access. We have also seen a proliferation of reports, checklists, glossaries and findings shared by many.
Below we give a shout-out to some of the sources of skills learning we have seen out there to help lawyers close the gap.
Lawyers for Net Zero (specific to general counsel and in-house lawyers)
Global Alliance of Impact Lawyers (GAIL)
UK Environmental Law Association (UKELA)
Lastly, to catch a list of Events that we think you should know about whether you are an experienced practitioner or a young practitioner looking to “up your game” or simply wanting to learn from others in the field and learn about new developments, visit this live link.
