The Hubbell Gift

The Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative (HELI) is generating opportunities for the College of Law to deepen and broaden its engagement with environmental issues in Iowa and beyond. 

HELI was created by the vision and generosity of Law Alumni Charlotte Beyer Hubbell (76JD) and Fred Hubbell (76JD) who committed the gift to establish this program. The gift, which is the largest in Iowa Law history, is intended to create an active forum for interdisciplinary engagement on important environmental issues, support law students and curriculum, and ultimately strengthen the environmental law bar in Iowa.

HELI's Strategic Focus Areas

The HELI team focuses on efforts and programs that build upon successes in the following areas: 

Supporting and Expanding Student Experiences

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HELI expands experiential opportunities for future environmental leaders

Friday, May 16, 2025
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Iowa Law Awards 2025 Hubbell Award for Excellence in Environmental Law

Saturday, May 10, 2025
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Iowa Law Environmental Moot Court Team Advances to Quarterfinals at National Competition

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Continuing the legacy of environmental law

Iowa Law is a proud Constituent Law School of the Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law. 

Learn more about this designation.

Follow HELI on social media:

Upcoming Events and Programming

ELS Nahant Marsh Meeting

Monday, September 21, 2026 12:45pm to 1:45pm
Boyd Law Building

Join us in welcoming Nahant Marsh. Nahant Marsh is a 382-acre preserve in Davenport, Iowa that was once an EPA superfund site. Learn more about the importance of protecting wetlands for conservation and see what a difference advocating can make! Open to 1L, 2L, and 3L.

Hidden in Plain Sight: Environmental Law Across Iowa Practice

Friday, October 30, 2026 12:45pm to 1:45pm
Boyd Law Building

Environmental law isn't just for environmental lawyers. Join the Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative for a CLE exploring how environmental issues arise across a wide range of legal practice areas in Iowa. Through practical examples and real-world scenarios, panelists will discuss environmental due diligence in business and agricultural transactions, farm succession and estate planning, land use and local government decisions, and litigation involving contamination, nuisance claims, and...

Communities as Clients: Challenges in Environmental Justice

Friday, October 30, 2026 1:45pm to 2:45pm
Boyd Law Building

Environmental justice presents unique legal and ethical challenges that extend beyond traditional environmental law. Join the Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative for a CLE exploring the role of attorneys representing communities affected by environmental harms. Using real-world examples from Iowa, this program will examine environmental justice principles, community lawyering, and the ethical issues that arise in representing individuals, organizations, and coalitions. Topics include...

HELI Faculty and Staff

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Jennifer Terry, JD

Title/Position
Director, Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative
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Blake Rupe

Title/Position
Program Director, Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative
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Shannon Roesler

Title/Position
Faculty Director, Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative, Moderator