Environmental Law Program

Student Life

MELS Students have a broad selection of activities to match their varied environmental law interests. Through their involvement in these activities, the students exemplify the Environmental Law Program’s common goal to preserve, protect, and advocate for bettering the planet’s natural environment.

Maryland Environmental Law Society (MELS)

Filming and Editing by Joseph T. Stovall, II

Students have the opportunity to participate in the Maryland Environmental Law Society (MELS), the law school's student-run environmental organization. MELS provides students opportunities to address today's environmental issues, lead and organize an environmental advocacy organization, and network with professionals in the field.

Moot Court Teams

*Stetson International Environmental Moot Court Competition world champions (**front**: students Will Tilburg, Molly Knoll and April Morton) with Environmental Law Program Faculty and Staff (**back**)*

Through the Environmental Law Program’s Environmental Advocacy course, several students are selected to compete in environmental moot court competitions nationwide. In 2010, Maryland’s team won the Stetson International Environmental Moot Court Competition. The Environmental Law Program also regularly competes in Pace Law School's National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition and Richmond School of Law National Environmental Negotiation Competition. In 2012, the Pace team advanced to the semifinals of a 77 team field. In 2009, Maryland’s team was runner-up in the Richmond competition. In 2013, Maryland will also be competing in the West Virginia University National Energy& Sustainability Moot Court Competition.

Environmental Law Films

Every fall, students enrolled in Professor Percival’s Environmental Law Course are given the option to create an environmental law film. In the spring, the Environmental Law Program hosts the Golden Tree Awards Ceremony where the films are judged and awarded based upon various categories like Best Picture, Best Animation and Most Humorous.

Biannual Environmental Law China Spring Break Trip

*Alumnus Joel Fedder (‘58) with his wife Ellen at the Great Wall during the March 2010 China trip.*

Every other spring break, Professor Percival leads students and alumni on a trip through China. Students meet with Chinese environmental law students, environmental groups, and government officials, exploring China’s nascent environmental movement as well as iconic tourist sites such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. These trips are held on the spring breaks of even numbered years.