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Aspiring lawyers must be equipped with the skills they need to address climate and ecological crises

The Centre for Climate Law & Governance

27 October 2025

With the climate crisis impacting every aspect of society, the need for aspiring and junior lawyers to feel empowered to address these issues in their careers has never been greater. The Centre for Climate Law & Governance is working to bridge the current gap.

For those at the start of their legal careers and students looking ahead to theirs, there is a real opportunity to integrate knowledge about climate and ecological crises into their understanding of the law and the legal challenges these issues pose. Currently, a significant gap exists between legal education and practical career pathways that focus on this area.

Climate change and the accelerating decline of our natural ecosystems stand among the most pressing and interconnected challenges facing our world today. Their causes and consequences are deeply intertwined with other global crises ranging from public health emergencies to financial instability, and raise urgent questions about justice, equity, and the pursuit of sustainable futures.

In a careers event jointly hosted by the Centre for Climate Law & Governance and Legal Voices for the Future (LVF) ‘Legal Careers for a Sustainable Future’, attendees were introduced to the diverse and evolving career paths available in sustainability and climate-focused legal work. By showcasing opportunities across sectors and disciplines, it aimed to equip participants with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to thrive as future-facing legal professionals.

Professor Bowman, Director of the Centre for Climate Law & Governance, explains the motivation for partnering with LVF for this exceptional event:

Bridging the gap between education and practice is essential in preparing the next generation of lawyers for the challenges ahead. Traditionally, climate and sustainability have been seen as niche or ‘nice to have’. The science is now clear that this is not correct. As we head towards an unliveable 3 degree world, courtrooms around the world are integrating climate into all domains of doctrinal law, from commercial and corporate law to criminal and international law. No area of practice is untouched. Both the planet and clients are demanding skilled lawyers who can navigate a rapidly changing landscape. At King’s, we are committed to going ‘beyond the degree’ to ensure our graduates are properly equipped.– Professor Megan Bowman, Director of the Centre for Climate Law & Governance

Designed to stand out from traditional and often intimidating careers events, at its core, the event fostered a collaborative and nurturing environment - one that encouraged open dialogue, creative thinking, and collective action.

It was a privilege to speak with such a thoughtful and engaged group of lawyers and students. Our conversation went beyond career paths; we explored how legal professionals, whether in environmental, corporate, or investment law, can respond to the climate crisis with integrity and creativity. We reflected on theories of change, the complexities of critical mineral exploration and extraction, human rights and the right to land, and the role of law in shaping a just transition. The energy in the room was hopeful, critical, and deeply committed to imagining a better future. As Deputy Director of the Centre for Climate Law & Governance, I’m proud to be part of an institution that is committed to equipping students with the tools to navigate these challenges. At King’s, we are committed to embedding sustainability into legal education and we are also working to go beyond the degree, by empowering the next generation of lawyers to lead transformative change– Clara Lopez Rodriguez, Lecturer in Law and Deputy Director, Centre for Climate Law & Governance

At ‘Legal Careers for a Sustainable Future’, we were delighted to be joined by a range of legal experts including solicitors, barristers, in-house counsel, academics and more. This showcased to attendees just how many areas of law are being affected by the polycrisis, as well as the wide range of careers available that would empower them to make a difference. Through a series of eight workshops, attendees explored emerging areas of practice – from sustainable aviation fuel to rights of nature – developed key skills, including how to advocate as an impact lawyer, and strengthened relationships with one another. At LVF, our mission has always been to educate junior lawyers on the climate ecological crises and their surrounding legal issues. Partnering with the Centre for Climate Law & Governance on this key event enabled us to take one step further, exploring how junior lawyers can put their learnings into practice and become changemakers.– Emma Short, Co-President of LVF

Attendees were invited to reimagine the role of law and lawyers in responding to the climate and ecological crises, and to consider how legal tools can drive meaningful environmental and social change. With a focus on law students, recent graduates, and professionals seeking to pivot or deepen their engagement with sustainability, the event also welcomed members of the LVF community and others passionate about using law as a force for good. It is hoped that this will become a recurring event.