Center for Energy and Environmental Law

Global energy demands, climate change, environmental degradation, and a growing world all place pressure on both energy and environmental policy. Recognizing that these disciplines can no longer be taught separately, in 2010, UConn School of Law created the Center for Energy & Environmental Law (CEEL) as part of a program for combined legal education, policy, and scholarship. CEEL offers the ability for students to focus their studies in these exciting areas by bringing together experts from many disciplines to tackle the complex and exhilarating challenges relating to the world’s environmental and energy futures.

Academically, CEEL helps law students develop a well-rounded foundation in energy and environmental law. It serves as the guiding entity for students interested in the law school’s Certificate in Energy & Environmental Law. CEEL promotes teaching and policy analysis, sponsors lectures, and partners with science and research departments at the University of Connecticut and other institutions.

Beyond the classroom, CEEL brings students together with the environmental and energy bar and community through sponsored career events and off-campus site visits. CEEL also coordinates externships and other placements with the State of Connecticut executive, legislative, and judicial branches, as well as private entities. Clinics in energy and environmental law provide additional options for students seeking hands-on experience. CEEL works closely with student groups, particularly the Energy & Environmental Law Society.

Certificate in Energy & Environmental Law

CEEL Externship Clinic

I had the opportunity to work in the legal office at the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection through the CEEL clinic. It goes without saying that I gained valuable real world experience working on environmental and energy issues. But I also learned a lot about the day-to-day operation of state agencies and had the opportunity to work on a few employment and constitutional issues of the sort that an agency’s attorneys have to address to keep the agency running smoothly.

– Timothy Bleasdale

Faculty

Joseph A. MacDougald
Professor-in-Residence and Executive Director
joseph.macdougald@uconn.edu
860-570-5383

Peter L. Lindseth
Olimpiad S. Ioffe Professor of International and Comparative Law
peter.lindseth@uconn.edu
860-570-5392

Richard Parker
Professor of Law, Policy Director
richard.parker@uconn.edu
860-570-5231

Paul R. McCary
Partner, Murtha Cullina LLP
pmccary@murthalaw.com