Golden Gate University School of Law Environmental Law and Justice Clinic

In 1994, Golden Gate was one of the first law schools in the country to establish an environmental justice clinic. Working under the close supervision of two full-time professors, students directly represent environmental organizations and community groups in low-income and minority communities in real-life public health, toxics, and environmental justice matters. Typical cases include challenges to siting of hazardous facilities, participation in air permit proceedings involving major facilities in our clients' communities, participation in rulemaking proceedings, challenges to rulemaking that directly affect our clients, and enforcement of federal and state pollution laws where violations of those laws result in harm to nearby communities. The clinic also advises clients on options to solve problems without bringing a lawsuit, where possible.