Emphasis Program in Environmental, Land Use, and Real Estate Law

Overview

Chapman University School of Law offers an innovative Emphasis Program in Environmental, Land Use, and Real Estate Law (ENLURE Program), leading to a certificate and transcript notation for students who satisfy minimum curricular and GPA requirements.

The ENLURE Program differs from traditional environmental law programs and traditional real estate law programs in that it integrates the study of environmental protection and land use regulation with the study of real property transactions and development.  Today’s lawyers and policy makers find that society’s choices about the protection and use of land, water, air, wildlife, and other natural resources cut across the fragmenting boundaries created by legal doctrine, political and social institutions, market forces, and areas of professional specialization.  Whether a student plans to advocate for environmental protection, facilitate real estate transfers and development, influence land use policy, or litigate liability for environmental harms or property rights to natural resources, he or she must be well-grounded in both the regulatory and transactional aspects of land resources.

In the ENLURE Program, students have opportunities to think deeply and creatively about issues that dominate today’s news and tomorrow’s legal and policy agendas.  They develop problem-solving skills and professional judgment.  They learn from distinguished scholars and mentors.  They write research papers that may ultimately be published.  They pursue career opportunities that take them to the cutting edge of environmental, land use, and real estate law.  All of this occurs in the ecologically stunning and economically vibrant environment of Southern California, a perfect laboratory in which to study land resources issues.

The ENLURE Program is supported by the Center for Land Resources and a student organization, the Land Resources Society.  The Center for Land Resources, directed by Professor Daniel Bogart, brings the expertise and resources of Chapman University to the service of the public and the profession through educational programs, research, and community service initiatives.  The Land Resources Society sponsors hiking events and other social outings, speakers and forums on critical issues, information about career opportunities, and community service projects.  Guest speakers have discussed issues like real estate lawyering, the status of the world’s oceans and their environmental degradation, the Bolsa Chica wetlands and development proposals, the restoration of the Salton Sea, the Avila Beach cleanup, airport development and privatization, and the future of land development in Southern California.

For additional information, please contact enlure@chapman.edu.