Student externs have a capital summer

For Patrick Carroll, his experience with the D.C. Environmental Law Externship program has solidified his career plans for after graduation. Patrick has served as a summer extern in the Special Litigation and Projects Division of the Environmental Protection Agency.

“Going forward, I have no doubts that this is the correct path for me to follow and further, by observing the attorneys I have had the pleasure to work with, I believe that I can position myself as a professional and diligent member of an important legal field,” said the rising 3L.

Patrick’s placement is part of Pace Law School’s D.C. Environmental Law Externship program which provides students with opportunities in federal environmental agencies, congressional offices, and public interest environmental organizations. Back copies of “Greenlaw,” the Journal of the Pace Environmental Law Program, herald the many placements that Pace Law students have fulfilled over the years, more than 150 since its founding in 1997.

Those accepted into the accredited program complete a one-week classroom seminar at Pace Law before they begin seven weeks of supervised field work with a mentor attorney in Washington, D.C.

“Some students go longer as volunteers,” said Professor Lin Harmon, Assistant Dean and Director of Director of Environmental Law Programs.

During their time in Washington, the law students are supervised by Adjunct Professor Steve Solow. They attend a weekly two-hour seminar, keep journals, and produce a substantive paper at the end of the program. Talking with the students, these tasks pale next to the opportunities many experience during their externships.

“I was treated as part of an integrated team of diligent attorneys who offered me assignments that spanned multiple environmental statutes,” said Patrick, who worked within the EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “I was offered the opportunity to tackle new and real world environmental problems of national significance each and every day.”

Photo caption: This year's externs gather with some of their mentors for a reception in Washington, D.C.