Great Plains Environmental Law Summit

     Topeka, Kan. — Washburn University School of Law will celebrate the launch of the Center for Resources, Environmental and Energy Law (CREEL) at the Great Plains Environmental Law Summit on Friday, Sept. 18 at Robert J. Dole Hall, 2073 SW Washburn Ter. The summit welcomes 20 renowned scholars and professionals, including environmental law professors, current and former U.S. Environmental Protection Agency attorneys and natural resources and environmental lawyers. Speakers will cover a range of topics across multiple discussion sessions examining the future of environmental law, natural resources law, environmental rights and energy and indigenous law.

     Previously known as the Oil and Gas Law Center, the re-envisioned Center for Resources, Environmental and Energy Law is the first environmental law center in Kansas.

     "Kansas sits at the center of many of the nation's most important conversations about energy, natural resources and environmental policy," said Jeff Jackson, the James M. Concannon Dean and Professor of Law, Washburn. "The Center for Resources, Environmental and Energy Law equips our students with the knowledge and experience to help shape practical solutions and have a profound impact on our economy and communities."

     CREEL is one of the seven Centers for Excellence at Washburn Law, offering students the opportunity to tailor their legal education with a Certificate in Resources, Environmental and Energy law.

     “CREEL responds to the reality that lawyers must develop both expertise and practical experience across the fields of natural resources law, especially energy law, water law and environmental law,” said Prof. Burke Griggs, CREEL co-director.

     In conjunction with student organizations and externship opportunities with the U.S. EPA and multiple Kansas administrative agencies, CREEL offers students the ability to enhance their legal education on the path to a professional career with opportunities across Kansas and around the world.

     “The center is an expansion that reflects the times and what’s happening in the world,” said Prof. James May, CREEL co-director. “The curriculum has been designed to give graduates a leg up in the job market.”

     Event registration and full schedule details are available at wualumni.org/e/environmentallawsummit. Learn more about the center at washburnlaw.edu/creel.

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Washburn University School of Law – ABA-Accredited Since 1923