Law Clerk Finds Ag Law Is Also Environmental Law

Molly Donnell, current Janzen Schroeder Law Clerk, has always been interested in the environment. Yet it was a class at Indiana University that piqued her interest in studying law and how it interacts with the environment in a variety of ways.

“Everyone understands the word environment, yet until you study environmental law, it is hard to appreciate that this type of law includes economics, government, law, policy and dealing with social issues,” Donnell says. “It encompasses so many aspects of the legal profession.”

Donnell, who holds a bachelor's degree in environmental sustainability from IU Bloomington and a master’s in environmental law and policy from Vermont Law and Graduate School, will graduate with her Juris Doctor in May of 2026. Part of her educational journey has been to seek a variety of experiences including agriculture to round out her appreciation of the environment.

“Lawyers have the ability to make changes in law and policy to help people, and I see this as especially true in agricultural law,” she says. Donnell had previously held an internship at Indiana Farm Bureau which exposed her to ag law and policy, and she enjoys the opportunity to work with ag clients at Janzen Schroeder Ag Law. “I didn’t have much litigation experience so am enjoying working with Brianna on cases and drafting motions. Todd has really interesting questions come up from clients and I am learning a great deal about many aspects of ag law.”

Being in a legal office provides balance to the academic demands of the last year of law school and helps give perspective to what is being learned in the classroom. “Environmental law is so much more than ‘saving the bees and trees,’” Donnell says. “I appreciate that I can experience so many elements of the legal profession and help people in the process.”