ACOEL Mentoring Program
The ACOEL Mentoring Program connects individuals who are curious about careers in environmental law (Mentees) with experienced environmental lawyers (Mentors). There are many ways to practice environmental law and just as many places (both locations and organizations) in which to do it. ACOEL’s Mentors serve as litigators, transactional attorneys, regulators, advisors, mediators and teachers across the country in a broad array of workplaces including private practice, governmental agencies, non-profit organizations and academia. The Mentoring Program helps Mentees discover what the practice of environmental law is, whether an environmental law career could be a good fit, and how to develop a career and professional network.
The Mentoring Program is open to curious law students, new lawyers, undergraduate and graduate students, and other professionals interested in the environmental law field. The Program seeks to encourage individuals with a broad cross-section of backgrounds and interests to explore a career in environmental law.
The Mentor/Mentee relationship can be as simple as one or two telephone calls to get some general questions answered, or it may evolve into a longer-term, more traditional Mentor/Mentee relationship – the Mentors and Mentees mutually decide.
To Participate as a Mentee:
Please complete the Form for Individuals. This form provides an opportunity for you to share information about yourself, your background, your goals and objectives, and your interests. This information will be used to help pair you with a Mentor. Please complete the form by November 15, 2026. Pairings should be completed over the following six weeks and contact between mentors and mentees will begin shortly thereafter.
For more Information
Check out our FAQs below or e-mail program chairs Michael Meloy ([email protected]) or Kelly Haragan ([email protected]) with any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ACOEL?
ACOEL is an organization of distinguished and dedicated environmental lawyers. Membership is by invitation only, and members are recognized by their peers as preeminent in the field of environmental law. ACOEL’s members (referred to as Fellows) are united by common objectives that include sharing knowledge with others in the field. ACOEL Fellows are:
- conservationists, environmentalists, and professionals who promote the highest standards of environmental law practice and care genuinely about the work and clients that we represent;
- government lawyers, private law firm partners, non-governmental organization advocates, and environmental law school faculty;
- litigators, compliance counselors, policy makers, legislation authors, and teachers (some of whom combine a love of both science and law into fulfilling career paths); and
- active listeners, creative thinkers, and problem solvers.
Can I be a Mentee if I am not a law student or new lawyer?
Yes! The Mentoring Program is open to any individual who is curious about a career in environmental law. Undergraduate and graduate students regardless of academic emphasis, law students, new lawyers, and other professionals are invited to participate, so long as a prospective Mentee expresses a genuine curiosity about a future career in environmental law. Students from all backgrounds – whether humanities, social sciences, or STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) – can succeed as environmental lawyers. While scientific and engineering studies are not a prerequisite for a successful environmental law career, STEM professionals often thrive in the environmental law arena. Regardless of your background, if the idea of an environmental law career prompts you to want to learn more, then you are an eligible ACOEL Mentee.
Is the Mentoring Program a program to help Mentees get jobs?
No. The Mentoring Program can help students and new lawyers build valuable knowledge and relationships that may be helpful in their job searches, but the Mentoring Program is not a job board, a career service, or a platform for employment solicitation. The Mentoring Program is an opportunity to learn about the field of environmental law from experienced practitioners.
What is the commitment expected of a Mentor?
Mentors commit to at least two contacts (e.g., via phone, Zoom, or in person) with their mentees. It is up to the Mentor and Mentee to decide if they would like to do more. The Mentoring Program is intended to foster helpful and meaningful interactions without becoming burdensome to any of the participants.
As a Mentee, can I pick my Mentor?
Mentees may request a Mentor and if that Fellow is participating in the Mentoring Program, we will make every effort to connect you. Please note that not every ACOEL Fellow is able to be a Mentor. Mentees are prompted on the application form to provide information that will help with the pairing process.
Will Every Mentor and Mentee be Paired?
We hope so! However, there is the possibility that we will not be able to accommodate all Mentees if there is a shortage of Mentors. In that case, those who sign up first will be given priority.
General Terms and Conditions for Mentoring Program Participants:
- The ACOEL is the vehicle for the Mentoring Program; participants are the Mentors and Mentees.
- Neither ACOEL nor any participant is providing legal advice through the Mentoring Program.
- Participation in the Mentoring Program does not represent an enforceable agreement to provide a service.