Lauren Stocks-Lurkins
B.A. Environmental Science, 2003,
Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences,
Saint Louis University

Environmental Lawyer
 Hodge Dwyer Zeman

Job description. "After graduation from SLU, I started law school at Southern Illinois University School of Law.  Throughout law school, I took a number of environmental law classes and was a research assistant for the environmental law professor.  I graduated in May 2006, (passed) the bar exam and am now practicing environmental law in Springfield, Illinois, for a firm that specializes in environmental law - Hodge Dwyer Zeman.
 
My firm represents clients in compliance counseling and regulatory matters, as well as litigation before state and federal courts and environmental agencies.  Our clients include small and large industrial companies, agricultural cooperatives, municipalities, individuals and business associations.  I spend a majority of my days researching the state and federal environmental statutes, regulations, case law and guidance for issues our clients are interested in and communicating that information to the particular client.  I also help obtain air and water permits our clients need to run their operations, work with environmental engineers and facility environmental specialists to reach compliance at our clients' facilities, track environmental rulemakings on both the state and federal level, and prepare stakeholder comments in those proceedings." 

Any advice for current undergraduates? Lauren's recommendation for current students is to learn how to write clearly.  No matter what your ultimate goal for your career, good writing will be a necessity.