Thursday, December 3, 2009

"Erik B. Blumel International Environmental Law Scholar" Applications Being Accepted

The Environmental Law Clinic at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law is seeking applicants for the position of "2010-2011 Erik B. Bluemel International Environmental Law Scholar." This position is open to recent law graduates (U.S. or foreign) interested in pursuing a Master of Laws (LLM) in Environmental and Natural Resources Law and Policy with a focus on international environmental law and human rights. International students are especially encouraged to apply.

About

The Erik B. Bluemel International Environmental Law Scholar was created to celebrate the life of DU Law Prof. Erik B. Bluemel, who passed away in May 2009. Prof. Bluemel strongly supported legal advocacy and research regarding the impact of human-induced environmental degradation on the lives of indigenous peoples around the world. The selected scholar will work directly with an international non-profit client and extensively study the effects of development activity on the environment and human rights. The specific project will be tailored to the needs of the client and the interest of the student, and may include consideration of the effects of hydroelectric development, fishery degradation, climate change, agriculture, human conflict, or resource extraction. By working with international environmental groups, such as EcoJustice or the Interamerican Association for Environmental Defense (AIDA), the Bluemel Scholar will gain both practical and scholarly experience that will enrich their understanding of their chosen topic.

In this one-year program, the scholar is tasked with two specific objectives:
  • First, the student will support the client’s on-the-ground advocacy efforts on behalf of the environment and human rights. Possibilities for such experience include drafting reports and pleadings, appearing before international commissions and courts, and/or appearing at international conferences. The student is also expected to conduct field research and travel abroad (expenses for travel are paid by DU).
  • Second, the selected applicant is expected to engage in scholarship associated with the area of work he/she is engaged in with the client. The resulting article should be submitted for publication in an appropriate journal and/or presented at a conference. Faculty in the clinic will be available to support the scholar’s research and writing, as well as interaction with the client.
The position requires a commitment of 20 to 25 hours per week. The two-semester program is worth 12 credits toward the awarding of an LLM degree. In addition, the student will be required to take a minimum of two substantive courses related to environmental or international law.

Requisite Qualifications and How to Become an Erik B. Bluemel International Environmental Law Scholar

Applicants must be eligible LLM candidates. Applicants should have demonstrable interest in the intersection of environmental law, human rights, and international law. While not required, language skills other than English add significant dimension to an applicant’s profile. To apply, the following should be sent directly to the director of the Sturm College of Law Environmental Law Clinic, Prof. Michael Harris, at MHarris@law.du.edu:
  • Resume or CV, including contact information for three references.
  • Cover letter (750 word max.) explaining your qualifications and experience as a scholar or in the field of the three topics of research, your interest in being a Bluemel Scholar and any ideas you have for the direction of your research.
  • A writing sample.
In addition, scholars need to apply for admittance to the DU Sturm College of Law Environmental and Natural Resources Law & Policy Graduate Program (LLM). Applications are accepted and reviewed on a revolving basis so applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible; the official deadline is March 5, 2010. More information about the graduate program is available from Assistant Director Lucy Daberkow at ldaberkow@law.du.edu. In addition, application information can be accessed by clicking here.

About the DU Environmental Law Clinic

The Environmental Law Clinic at DU provides a real world experience for students interested in environmental law who wish to develop practical legal skills. Under the supervision of Michael Harris, director of the Environmental Law Clinic, and Kevin Lynch, Environmental Law Clinic Fellow, students represent environmental advocacy organizations before courts and administrative agencies in a broad range of environmental matters, including endangered species, public lands, and air quality. The clinic’s efforts have produced significant protections for the environment and public health.

About the Life of Erik Bluemel

Prof. Harris has said this about his friend and colleague Erik Blumel:

Although only thirty-one years old when he died, Erik lived a rich and accomplished life. He studied and distinguished himself at Berkeley, the University of Chile, New York University School of Law, and Georgetown University Law Center. Even before he went to law school, Erik had backpacked throughout the world, studying cultures and giving presentations on topics of law and culture. Indeed, Erik’s expertise in global climate change had made him an emerging international commodity on the lecture circuit -- he was scheduled to present in Montana and Italy in the weeks following his untimely death. He had already presented in Norway earlier in the year, and China before that. Erik particularly relished his trips abroad, where he could explore discussions with colleagues worldwide about the relationship between the complexity of government structures and potential future solutions to the problem of climate change. Perhaps most impressive of all, given his age and other commitments and accomplishments, he was a prolific writer.
To be sure, this is a tremendous opportunity for the right person. Learning while doing and at the same time creating a network of contacts...the combination presents a compelling case to apply!

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