The Institute also convenes conferences to promote the exchange of ideas; holds seminars to educate legal practitioners and business leaders; and publishes original research, both as monographs and in its periodicals, the Environmental Law Reporter and The Environmental Forum.

Other researchers include scientists, policy analysts, and visiting scholars from outside the United States.

The ELI Associates Program offers networking and education opportunities for current and future leaders in the environmental law and policy profession.

The board members are leaders from federal and state government, industry, the private bar, citizen organizations, and academia.

Within the Oceans Program are publications on sustainable fisheries; conferences to develop laws that foster ecosystem-based management; and continuing legal education seminars on issues ranging from ocean-based shipping to the potential for wave-generated electricity.