Land Air Water Environmental Law Society is the nation’s oldest and largest student environmental law society. LAW’s first and foremost activity is organizing the PIELC.
Public Interest Environmental Law Conference (PIELC)
PIELC is truly a unique event. Every year, more than 3,000 activists, attorneys, students, scientists, policy makers, and concerned citizens come from around the world to collaborate on a variety of environmental issues. PIELC takes place the first week of March every year. In the past, the four-day conference has included panels and workshops on topics such as: ecological restoration, mining reform, labor and human rights, international environmental law, dam removal, global warming, Native American treaty rights, and corporate responsibility. In addition to these panels and workshops, PIELC culminates each day with a keynote speech.
Environmental Speakers and Brownbags
Throughout the school year, LAW invites local environmental attorneys to speak to students over lunch about the field of public interest and environmental law and their own specific practices. LAW also works with the University of Oregon’s Earth Day Coalition to celebrate Earth Day every spring.
Annual Raft Trip
Early each fall, LAW welcomes new and returning law students back to school in a uniquely Oregonian way, a raft trip. Because students will soon be up to their necks in rain and reading, we like to travel to areas students will soon believe they do not have the time to visit, such as the Rogue or Deschutes Rivers. The raft trip is also a great way to introduce new students to LAW (and for LAW to do some early recruiting of much needed volunteers).
LAW Hiking Series
LAW hosts a hiking series each year. Several times a year, LAW directors lead informal trips to various trails in the region. Recent trips include hikes to Horse Pasture Mountain, Sahalie and Koosah Falls, and Cape Perpetua on the Oregon coast. We are always looking for suggestions for great hikes!
Green Commute Challenge
LAW organizes a week-long event in October to encourage law students, faculty, and staff to get to school by walking, biking, or using public transportation. LAW holds this challenge every year to expand awareness of commuting alternatives in the law school community.
Mt. Pisgah Trailwork
LAW also gathers a couple of work parties throughout the year to help pull some weeds and maintain the grounds at the local Mt. Pisgah Arboretum.