Students in this yearlong clinic participate in a range of activities related to the protection and restoration of natural resources and environmental quality.

Students represent environmental nonprofits, citizens' groups and other community organizations seeking to protect and restore the environment of Virginia and other parts of the country. Although much of the work consists of traditional legal advocacy such as commenting on administrative rules, participating in permit proceedings, advocacy before state administrative agencies and boards, factual investigations and litigation, the clinic also actively explores more cooperative means of conserving and restoring natural resources.

Students in the clinic have been actively engaged in finding solutions to land-use and growth issues facing local communities. Although much of the clinic's work consists of traditional legal advocacy and counseling, students also typically deal with the role of broader public advocacy in environmental disputes.

The clinic includes a weekly meeting/seminar to discuss matters pending before the clinic and to provide conceptual context for the clinic’s work.