Finding Community: Elise Balin Builds Relationships While Pursuing Degree in Environmental Law
“I really value the rural atmosphere Vermillion has,” said Balin. “It allows me to feel somewhat close to home while still having the ability to pursue a very high-quality legal education. There is nothing like being a part of a community in the Midwest, especially the community in Vermillion.”
Balin is enrolled in USD’s concurrent law and environmental law and policy dual degree program. This unique program allows students to earn their Master of Environmental Law and Policy (MELP) from Vermont Law School – which is ranked number four on the U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Environmental Law Programs” list – while earning their law degree from South Dakota’s premier law school.
“There is quite literally no other law school in the Midwest that offers this opportunity in environmental law and the ability to receive such a high-quality environmental legal education,” said Balin. “USD is one of only seven law schools, one of which is Yale, that provides their students with this opportunity; that’s really amazing to me.”
Balin’s passion for environmental law stems from her rural background, and she said she’s “eager to advocate for landowners, including farmers and ranchers, in environmental law issues.”
“I am interested in focusing my career around environmental, natural resource, and agriculture law,” she continued. “Working in this area intersects greatly with administrative law, which is another area I am extremely passionate about. There are so many aspects of environmental regulations that impact agriculture producers and I aim to be an individual who advocates for balance in conservation, agriculture and industry.”
At the Knudson School of Law, Balin is a committee member of the Federalist Society and a member of both the Environmental Law Society and the Agriculture Law Society. Through these organizations, Balin has fueled her excitement about natural resources and environmental law and forged relationships with students who have similar passions and interests as her.
“I have built the most amazing friendships with classmates, and I tell people constantly that coming to USD was one of the greatest decisions I have ever made,” said Balin. “There is such an amazing welcoming environment; no matter where I turn, someone is always there to support me.
“There really is nothing like the community of the law school,” she continued. “After coming to USD, I felt like I could call the school home from day one.”
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