Environmental Advocacy Clinic
Participants of the "Niagara River Corridor Ramsar Bingo" posing in frnot of Niagara Falls. The bingo was created by clinic students to help spread the identification of native and invasive plants present in the corridor.
The University at Buffalo School of Law’s Environmental Advocacy Clinic addresses local, state, national, and global environmental issues, with student lawyers taking lead roles alongside clients and experts on impactful matters.
In the Environmental Advocacy Clinic, student attorneys take the lead on cutting-edge environmental law and policy matters—locally in Western New York and across the state, nation, and world. The work can be fast-paced, meaningful, and sometimes groundbreaking. Under Professor Connolly’s supervision, students collaborate directly with clients, communities, and key stakeholders, gaining hands-on experience tackling urgent environmental challenges with real impact. This clinic earns four-credit hours (for returning students, a different credit hour allocation can be requested).
Kim Diana Connolly
Director of Environmental Advocacy Clinic
Clinical Legal Education
Defend Communities
In Fall 2025, student attorneys will dive into high-impact, real-world advocacy on several dynamic projects. These include representing three key stakeholders in a longstanding environmental justice case before the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) that opposes the construction of a new toxic waste dump in Niagara County.
Environmental Advocacy Clinic student attorneys and Clinic Director Kim Diana Connolly during a hearing where they provided representation in opposition to permitting construction and operation of a new commercial hazardous waste landfill, a new lagoon, and other ancillary facilities.
Reduce Harm
Student attorneys will also collaborate with academic and community experts to advance innovative strategies that support lead-poisoned children in Western New York, working to mitigate long-term impacts and promote healthier futures.
NYS Senator April Baskin with members of the Environmental Advocacy Clinic. Senetor Baskin has been the lead sponsor on a lead poising bill and has been working with the Clinic since 2018.
Protect Ecosystems
On the global stage, student teams will assist international grassroots organizations in Africa and South America, helping secure recognition and protection for vital local ecosystems under the Convention on Wetlands. Additionally, student attorneys will support New York tribal nations on important legal initiatives that safeguard their lands and advance their environmental priorities.
Students from the Environmental Advocacy Clinic giving a tour of the Niagara River Gorge Trail on World Rivers Day.