Agriculture Lawyer
Agriculture is one of the most regulated industries in our society today, so it is fitting that there are lawyers who specialize in laws pertaining to agriculture. Lawyers are professionals who are licensed to practice law and are hired to represent clients on a wide range of legal matters.
Agriculture lawyers deal with water, environmental, agricultural labor, marketing, land use, pesticide use and seed issues. Additionally, they obtain licenses and permits that agricultural entities may need to operate, such as setting up corporations and partnerships.
What Responsibilities Will I Have?
- Assist farmers in succession planning to help preserve farms for future generations
- Assist in zoning, land use cases and eminent domain issues
- Obtain licenses and permits that agricultural entities may need in order to operate
- Provide information to those in agriculture on labor and employment laws
- Provide guidance in regulatory compliance
- Understand environmental legislation and landowner rights
- Assist in the implementation of federal farm policies as they apply within the state
- Assist in preventing fraud and deception in packaging and labeling of products
- Give general legal counsel to individuals, companies or organizations
- Identify and carry out opportunities to legally protect farms and their products
- Develop a detailed knowledge and understanding of current issues affecting agriculture and solutions available
- Build relationships with community members, especially local farmers
Recommended High School Courses:
- agricultural education
- English
- social sciences
- public speaking
- debate
Education/Training Required:
Becoming an agriculture lawyer requires a bachelor’s degree, a good score on the LSAT exam, a JD (Juris Doctor) and passing a bar exam for the state one wishes to practice in.
