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Early Careers Series: In Pursuit of Something Just- By Anna Tiedemann
Why Law?
I am a high school student and will be applying to universities next fall. Although I’m eager to send out my applications and decide which school I want to spend the next four years of my life in; I am seriously intimidated by the scale of the decisions that lie ahead of me. My mind has been packed with questions about the future. These questions not only include, where I will study, but what. Even though I still have many uncertainties, I’ve found clarity in what I want to pursue.
When one thinks of law their mind might wander to courthouse dramas or aggressive prosecutors. What drew me toward law was different, it surpassed the rules and regulations. What captured my interest was the potential to use these very rules and regulations to advocate for the causes and people who need a voice. There are countless causes I am passionate about. These include; Climate Change Action and Climate Justice for Underprivileged Communities and Developing Countries, as well as just Immigration Laws and Policies that will be able to address the increasing numbers of displaced people around the world.
What is so interesting about the law is the way I can turn this passion into action and help create the change I want to see.
The Law is an immensely broad field, and although I have not decided yet on what kind of law I want to go into, I am sure I want to use law to do something that truly matters to me. What fascinates me the most about the broadness of this field, is that it includes everything; from Education, to Climate, to Human Rights. This assures me that I don't have to have it figured out just yet. Keeping my objective in mind, I am confident that I can find a path that will let me work towards making the change I want to see.
The Law as a Tool for Environmental Justice
I have always been passionate about Environmental Justice. Through environmental science courses in school, I have realized climate change is far more than a scientific and environmental issue. It is a social one. The individuals and communities that suffer most from the changing climate, increase in pollution, and rising temperatures tend to be those with the least power and resources. While large industries are often the root cause of the climate crisis, vulnerable and underrepresented communities often take the hardest hit.
Law represents the Regulations and Policies that societies establish to maintain order and protect the public good. Through these policies can come the betterment of many lives, and especially today, they have the power to safeguard the health of our planet. Policy is so vital when it comes to environmental justice. From protecting oceans and saving trees to ensuring large corporations are lowering their pollutants, legislation plays a large role.
Climate and Environmental issues can seem dooming and frankly hopeless. The legal side of these issues brings me peace of mind. Policy can bring structure to an issue that seems so out of our control. It is essential in working towards stricter environmental regulations, holding industries accountable for their emissions, and all of the international agreements that are required for global climate solutions.
Environmental Law is something I have particular interest in because of everything I have stated thus far. It is a chance to help change outdated policies to be geared towards environmental justice. A chance to support marginalised communities that suffer particularly from our worsening climate. A chance to advocate for climate justice and play at least a small role in the extreme and immediate transformation that is crucial to the wellbeing of our planet.
Fighting for Those Without a Voice
Too often, whose voice is heard depends on privilege. While some people can afford great lawyers to represent and fight for them, others don’t have this luxury. This disparity is another reason I am drawn toward the law. The law is a means to represent people and everyone deserves representation. Many people face issues like Housing Discrimination and Immigration struggles among other challenges without adequate legal support. This reality draws me to the law as a way to ensure that everyone has access to representation.
The systems within our society are rigid. They are impossible to change overnight. The inequalities many face on a daily basis are systematic and although I myself might not change these unjust systems, I believe the law can be a tool to challenge and reduce these inequalities. I want the opportunity to advocate for fairness in spaces and communities where it is often absent.
Beyond advocacy, the law provides legal frameworks that define how governments, corporations and individuals must behave. In a globalised world, legal frameworks can help inform responses to complex challenges like Climate Change, Immigration and Human Rights Violations. Tackling environmental degradation and global inequality requires dialogue and cooperation between states, so we can together turn shared values into shared action.
Still Finding My Path
When I’m asked what kind of law I want to go into, I usually respond with, “I’m not sure yet,” and this is the honest truth. I will begin applying to universities in the upcoming school year, and right now, I’m still exploring the different directions one can take within law. I want to discover where my skills and values align to make the most impact. Whether I find myself choosing Environmental Policy, Public Interest Law, or something I haven’t even considered at this point, I’m excited to learn more about myself and watch my aspirations within this field gain depth.
I may not have made this specific decision yet, but I am far from lost. I know what I am interested in and what I hope to achieve. I just need to find the right path to reach those goals.
Anna Tiedemann,
Student -Geffen Academy at UCLA in Los Angeles
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-tiedemann-0161a0372/
September 2025