Robin Baral '10

As a student at Loyola, Robin Baral discovered a passion for environmental and land-use law, a passion that would serve to inspire his class to rethink how they could make a “green” impact on Loyola’s campus and in the Los Angeles community overall.

Baral is a 2010 graduate who has brought his classroom knowledge to life. His commitment to environmental law and the study of contracts related to alternative-energy financing gave him the inspiration for the 2010 class gift: raising money to install solar panels on Loyola’s campus. This gift supports the school’s Loyola Goes Green program, which focuses on recycling and other sustainability programs, while at the same time helping reduce the greater carbon footprint in Los Angeles.

Baral has always been interested in environmental and land-use topics but it was at Loyola that he was able to take his interest to the next level. “Professor Selmi really took the time to work with me and discuss the opportunities available in environmental and land-use law. He encouraged me to apply for an externship with the California Department of Justice. And with his guidance, I was selected for the position—a position that set the foundation for my career path.”

As a land-law extern with the Division of Public Rights at the California Department of Justice in Los Angeles, Baral became involved in the type of work he hoped to eventually do as an attorney. While there, Baral performed legal research, drafted motions and assisted with trial and appellate court preparations. He also attended public hearings and closed meetings on behalf of state-agency clients, such as the California Coastal Commission.

His externship was not the only way Baral was able to gain handson experience in environmental and land-use law. Baral was active with several student groups and land-use associations. He served as chair of the Greener Campus Committee, student liaison for the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Los Angeles, board member for the Loyola Environmental Law Society and president of the Loyola Real Estate Law Society. Baral recognized the importance of taking his knowledge outside the classroom and gaining practical experience so he could hit the ground running professionally after graduation.

Baral really enjoyed his work with the ULI Los Angeles. “I liked how ULI connects students to broader issues in real estate and land development,” he said. “The people there were always eager to come to campus to speak and network with students. As the student liaison with the ULI, I helped to set up several events. It was exciting to be able to connect directly with professionals in the field.”

Baral is looking forward to starting his environmental and land-use law career and feels like he is already an active member of the field. He recently completed a field project focused on land use and on evaluating survey results to possibly create a more pedestrian-friendly area for Loyola Marymount University in Westchester, CA.

“I’m excited to move to the next level in my career,” said Baral. “Thanks to the support of faculty like Professor Selmi and many others who encouraged me to take an active role outside the classroom, I feel truly prepared to make a difference.”