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Deborah Sivas
Professor of Environmental Law and Director of Environmental Law Clinic
Deborah A. Sivas is a distinguished environmental lawyer and academic currently serving as the Luke W. Cole Professor of Environmental Law at Stanford Law School. She also directs the Environmental Law Clinic and the Environmental and Natural Resources Law and Policy Program at the institution. Her extensive experience in environmental law spans nearly three decades, during which she has been involved in significant litigation and policy advocacy.
Education
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): Stanford Law School, 1987
- Master of Science (M.S.) in Ecology: University of California, Davis, 1984
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Biology and Philosophy: Occidental College, Magna Cum Laude, 1982
Professional Background
- Stanford Law School: Professor and Director of the Environmental Law Clinic since 1997.
- Earthjustice (formerly Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund): Founding Legal Program Director.
- Heller, Ehrman, White & McAuliffe: Environmental attorney from 1988 to 1994.
- U.S. District Court: Law clerk to Judge Judith N. Keep.
Areas of Expertise
Professor Sivas specializes in various aspects of environmental law, including:
- Endangered Species Act
- National Environmental Policy Act
- Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act
- Marine resource protection and climate change policy
She is recognized for her successful litigation efforts, such as challenging the Bush administration's gas mileage standards for SUVs and light trucks. Additionally, she has contributed to holding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency accountable for regulating invasive species.
Honors and Affiliations
Sivas has received accolades for her work, including being named one of California Lawyer magazine's Attorneys of the Year in 2008. She serves on several boards, including the Turtle Island Restoration Network and Earth Island Institute, and is an advisory board member of the Climate Law Institute.
Current Research Interests
Her current research focuses on the intersection of law and science concerning climate change, coastal/marine policy, and public accountability in environmental governance. She is also actively engaged in teaching courses related to environmental law and policy at Stanford.
Overall, Deborah A. Sivas is a prominent figure in environmental law education and advocacy, shaping future generations of lawyers while addressing critical environmental issues through her work at Stanford Law School .123

