Giving law students an opportunity to become hands-on advocates for the region's environment, the University of Washington recently announced the establishment of the Kathy and Steve Berman Environmental Law Clinic.

The Berman Environmental Law Clinic will draw on the University of Washington's environmental law faculty and extensive cross-campus expertise in fields such as Zoology, Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, Forest Resources, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Marine Affaires, Environmental Health, and Ecology. In addition to representing clients in court, the clinic will become a definitive information resource on contemporary environmental law and policy, with special focus on the Pacific Northwest.

Students will conduct investigations, consult with scientific experts, develop and initiate cases, and work on testimony before agencies in collaboration with faculty advisors and practicing lawyers who specialize in environmental law. They will also conduct research into emerging issues in environmental law and contribute to scholarly publications.

"We're elated that the Bermans have chosen to support the environmental law program in this way," said William Rodgers, Jr. Stimson Bullitt Professor of Environmental Law. "The clinic represents a unique opportunity for our students and the wider university to be legal custodians of the natural treasures and environmental health of our region."

Rodgers is widely recognized as one of the 'founders' of U.S. environmental law and author of leading treatises in the field. He has worked on dozens of cases involving issues of air and water pollution, nuclear power plant siting, toxics and the Federal Advisory Committee Act. He has appeared in the U.S. Supreme Court on issues of Indian treaties and salmon protection.

A national search for a director is under way, and the clinic will accept students and begin taking cases in fall 2003.