The Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative (HELI) at the University of Iowa College of Law is proud to announce the College’s inclusion in the U.S. News & World Report Specialty Rankings for Best Environmental Law Programs, climbing into the top 50 rankings for the first time in the Law School’s history. This year’s jump in ranking reflects continued momentum and growth, with Iowa Law making a notable leap in recent years—rising from not ranked to 88th two years ago, 70th last year, and continuing to climb into the top 50 this year.
“We are honored to be recognized in the top 50 as we continue to build our environmental law program,” said Blake Rupe, HELI’s Program Director. “To be ranked alongside colleagues at such incredible institutions affirms the meaningful work happening here at Iowa Law and strengthens our resolve to continue equipping students and practitioners to tackle the urgent environmental challenges of our time – now more than ever.”
This recognition underscores the Initiative's commitment to enhancing environmental, natural resources, and energy law education at Iowa Law. In recent years, HELI has achieved significant milestones that have likely contributed to this esteemed recognition:
Expansion of Environmental Law Opportunities: HELI has expanded environmental law opportunities for students, alumni, and the broader community. This includes providing summer stipends for students pursuing public interest careers in environmental law, enhancing coursework, and hosting public events that engage leading experts on pressing environmental issues. These events allow legal professionals across the Midwest to access high-quality environmental law programming for continuing legal education credits in their respective states. (heli.law.uiowa.edu) and (heli.law.uiowa.edu)
Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law Membership: Iowa Law is one of only 35 law schools nationwide to be admitted as a Constituent Law School of the Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law (FNREL). This membership provides advanced support and resources for environmental law students and faculty at Iowa Law. (law.uiowa.edu)
Growth in Faculty: Iowa Law has made strategic investments in expanding faculty. We have welcomed nationally recognized scholars and practitioners to the College of Law, significantly enriching course offerings, mentoring, and research opportunities for students. (law.uiowa.edu)
For more information about the Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative and its programs, please visit heli.law.uiowa.edu.