Donate Today!

Earth Law

Laws & Legal Systems
for the Whole Earth Community

Live, Online course, running Sept. 5 – Nov. 21, 2025

12 weeks, Fridays, 10:30 am ET – 12:30 pm ET

Laws and legal systems that serve the whole Earth community are emerging at an accelerating pace. Interest in Earth Law has taken hold in law and graduate schools across the globe.  Earth law intersects with business, politics, economics, global governance, ethics, education, sustainability, sociology, anthropology, psychology, among others.

The Earth Law Team

Join an Earth Law course led by Anthony Zelle, whose book, Earth Law: Emerging Ecocentric Law—A Guide for Practioners will be one of the primary texts.

Members of the team include (click on image for bio):

Anthony Robert Zelle, Esq.

Maisie Paddon

Kerry Hudson

April Elizabeth Finlayson

Tara A. Pierce

Cat Haas

Ava Roche

Joseph O’Brien

“The universe is a communion of subjects, not a collection of objects.”

— Thomas Berry

The World Urgently Needs a Paradigm Shift

Humankind has mastered the Earth only insofar as it has the capacity to destroy the miracle of biological life Earth has created.  We need a radically new vision for how humankind sees itself in relation to the Earth. 

Earth Law seeks to place the interests of the whole Earth community on a par with the interests of the human community; to give other-than-human members of the Earth community access to the legal systems that decide their fate as well as ours; to align our laws with the laws of nature, Earth and the universe.  A legal system that regards human beings, corporate beings, and sovereign beings as legal subjects and Earth’s other living beings and life support systems as objects is destined to fail. Perhaps cataclysmically.

What is Earth law?

Earth law delves into the legal structures that order society. These structures are comprised of far more than written law expressed in constitutions, treaties, statutes, civil codes and local ordinances (all examples of positive law).

Earth law reflects the emergence of ecocentric law, which is based on relationality, responsibility and reciprocity, and is reflected in Indigenous legal systems. Earth law is also reflected in anthropocentric legal developments, such as rights for nature, guardianship, and the human right to a healthy environment.

Earth law is based on planetary boundaries, the geophysical and biochemical limits within which human life can be sustained. It is also based on etiquette, manners, taboos, and unwritten social norms that guide the way humans think, behave and interact.

Earth law principles can be embodied in national constitutions and international treaties, as well as in local ordinances and neighborhood resolutions. Nature-conscious governance practices can be espoused in corporate by-laws, policies and practices. In some legal systems, Earth, nature, or an aspect of nature (such as the Atlantic Ocean) can even serve as a director on a corporate board (through a human proxy). The Earth law movement is both reformative and transformative.

What will this course do?

This course will introduce the origins and fundamental concepts of Earth law and its roots in Earth jurisprudence, particularly the writing of Thomas Berry. We will examine the obstacles posed by extant legal, economic and political systems. We will explore the legal strategies for creating Earth law. And we will engage in study of the accelerating Earth law movement in the U.S. and globally.

Click here for subject matters the course will explore:

Click Here

Session Descriptions

(Sessions are live with the Earth Law team.  Recordings of all sessions will be accessible inside the course space for up to one year.  You may participate in online discussions between sessions.)

Session 1: Earth Law is Emerging Because Conventional Law Isn’t Working (Cormac Cullinan)

Session 2: Evolution and Revolution: The Earth Law Movement is Reformative and Transformative  

Session 3: The Threshold Obstacles to Emerging Earth Law are Embedded in Legal, Political, and Economic Systems

Session 4: Grass Roots Movement Lawyering for Rights of Nature (Joan Flocks, Thomas Linzey, Fernanda Sanchez )

Session 5: Some Non-Human Beings Have Legal Rights: How About Non-Human Animals? (Macarena Montes)

Session 6: River Rights and the Development of Local and Bioregional Governance Systems

Session 7: Taking on the Machine to Develop Earth Law (Steven Donziger) (Rachelle Adam)

Session 8: Protecting the Ocean Globally and Locally (Tara Pierce)

Session 9: Wielding Judicial Power to Protect Posterity: The Public Trust Doctrine and Rights of Future Generations

Session 10: Indigenous Legalities as a Foundation for New Legal Systems (Ivan Vargas Ronconcino)

Session 11: The Emerging Arc of Earth Law: Class Project Presentations

Session 12: Envisioning the Future of Earth Law

Readings Materials

Earth Law: Emerging Ecocentric Law–A Guide for Practitioners will be a one of the primary texts.

Sessions are recorded

and can be viewed for up to one year.  An asynchronous online conversation is accessible in the course space.

                     Understanding Earth law as a body of law is no more difficult for non-lawyers than understanding the Ten Commandments.

— Tony Zelle, Esq. 

Who is this course for? 

Hi Tony and team, here’s what we have on our Leadership page, just to give you a model.  🙂

    Everyone who has projects, and practices they’d like to work on inside a New Cosmology framework.

  • Students who want to learn about their role in the universe and apply deeptime principles in their academic work.
  • Teachers who want to frame their curriculum inside the New Cosmology.
  • Spiritual/religious who want to situate and ground their understandings/practices inside an evolving universe.
  • Artists/Poets/Writers/Dancers inspired to express the larger story we all share.
  • Scientists who want to connect with and experience other ways of knowing.
  • Healers and healing practitioners who know the healing power of a living functional cosmology.
  • Politicians/Activists looking for a larger frame and understanding to address the crises of today.
  • Mental Health Practioners who understand that our cosmologies give us meaning and purpose.  Dysfunctional cosmologies can be at the root of mental illness and addiction.
  • Spiritual Directors who want help their directees see and align with the whole at work within their lives.
  • Anyone who wants to ground their lives in the New Cosmology and an emerging consciousness
Deeptime Leadership, Personal Empowerment Leadership, Climate change, Evolution Leadership, Big Bang Theory

Personal message from Tony Zelle:

This invitation to co-learn with the Deeptime Network began with
quotes from a monk and a scientist. It concludes with one from a
reverend who led a legal and cultural movement.
“If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.”
— Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The doing of small things in a great way, of things accessible to all
without regard to what path one has chosen, the spirit that imbues this
course.
Please join this course and delve into the ongoing emergence of Earth
law. Discover how you might contribute your small great thing to
… A Critique of Modern Environmental Law
All the way through . . . Restorative Justice

strengthen the movement as it takes hold in grassroots community
campaigns, international conferences, corporate boardrooms, and
academic institutions.

 

Hi Tony and Earth Law Team (This panel and the next on are what we used on our Advanced Leadership promo page.  If you can taylor some like this specifically for this course, that would be GREAT!)

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN AND EXPERIENCE

Personal and Professional Development

  • How your personal story is part of and contributing to the larger Story of the Universe and how you can integrate this cosmic perspective into your everyday life.
  • How to identify significant moments, themes, and patterns in your personal journey as part of the unfurling universe.
  • Identify your unique gifts, qualities, and orientations and how they express your work in the world.
  • How to activate your unique Cosmic Task and your own unique ways of expressing your gifts and capacities to the communities and places in your life that are calling you the strongest at this time.
  • Learn how the Governing Themes of Differentiation, Subjectivity, and Communion are at work in your life and how to align with them.
  • How becoming indigenous to the universe and ourselves develops trust, confidence and heightened capacities.

Group Facilitation and the Power of Deeptime Community

  • Experiencing collective dwelling in awe and wonder of the numinous and appreciating the ways the universe is working in, as, and through us.
  • How collective dwelling in wholeness brings coherence and healing in a group.
  • Ways to communicate big ideas about the cosmic evolutionary story to a lay audience and how to relate these ideas to your own personal experiences, perspectives, and goals.
  • How to lead a group inside a Deeptime perspective.
  • Ways to work with others to give and receive authentic feedback and support.

Tools, Techniques and Practices

  • How shifting our attention to a Deeptime perspective rewires our brains and nervous systems to a more coherent state.
  • Practices and approaches for applying four wisdom traditions to your own life and work in the world.
  • Practices for following your allurements from inspiration into action.
  • In-depth work with Deeptime Autocosmology practices within a personal and cosmic framework.
  • Movement and embodied creative practices to activate your creativity and help you move through creative and emotional blocks.

WHAT YOU’LL RECEIVE

  • 2-Hour Live Weekly Sessions on Fridays, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm ET (24 hours total)
  • Above includes 20 hours large group sessions and 18 hours of Deeptime practice and group coaching
  • Video recordings of large group sessions that you can access at any time
  • Online asynchronous discussion forum to explore topics of interest to you
  • The opportunity to receive Deeptime Spiritual Direction and Coherence Guidance in support of your journey
  • Access to course space recordings, resources and messaging with fellow participants for up to one year
  • Participation in a rich and supportive global community
  • Premium membership in the Deeptime Network for one year where you can post resources, events and blogs and participate in the Deeptime Cafes. Premium members also receive discounts on many Deeptime programs, classes, and trainings
  • Upon completion of the program, you will be invited to join a private FB group of Deeptime Leaders from around the world
  • Invitations to Deeptime Leader gatherings
  • A certificate of completion with 80% attendance
|

What people are saying about the Deeptime Network . . .

" It is so supportive to have a whole community, from around the world, working together to embody and live out a deep connection to the new cosmology in its ethical and spiritual dimensions. We are the Universe emerging. "
- M.J. Zimmerman

" After 20 years of living into the Universe Story, I was reawakened to how truly empowering it is through what is emerging for others on parallel paths from around the globe. "
— Penny Andrews

" If you're seeking a meaningful story that explains our place in our Universe and in Nature, and like-minded global citizens, this course may be your next step on that journey. " - David Morton Rintoul

" Everything I have known in life is being integrated into unifying perspectives and connectedness which come like seeds being nourished from a deep space of love, abundance, and creativity "
— Marides "Madett" Virola-Gardiola, Philippines

Deeptime courses are not just about learning new ideas, they are a way to commune together to help each other spiral upwards to new heights of wisdom and awakening. "
— Sarbmeet Kanwal

" I am co-creating a space for children older than 7 years old and this course has been granting me a deeper understanding of how I want to position myself and act in this space while deep listening to children. " — Joana Benetton, Brazil

" Being around so many talented and confident people has helped me with developing a children’s book for Montessori Sunday school. " — Nancee Cline

It is all and more than I expected – I am not new to the material though have certainly learned and gained new insights into the wonderful planet we call “home”. 

The assignments are doable, interesting, and inviting.  I am enjoying the course very much.

Am loving it. The small groups are wonderful. It is such a marvelous group of participants. The networking is fabulous.  Love the opening and thoughtful reflections.

I look forward to every session.

I had to miss two weeks and was aware there was something missing in my life, so I know I am finding it really useful and challenging.  Also good to make connections.

I am feeling inspired, energized, and more-connected-than ever!  I am also enjoying the arc of the course, the meditations, quote sharing, and especially the content. 

Our Learning Management System

We use Sensei integrated with Buddypress so that participants can engage in asynchronous course discussions, and share resources, profiles, and information about their organizations.  We’ve had experience using this technology with people of all levels of technical capability.  If you have any questions, we’re right there to help you.  All meetings are recorded.  The course will remain open for one year so you can view recordings, stay in touch and continue to share thoughts and resources with others sharing the journey with you.  Our fearless developer, Mohit Sharma, stands at the ready to solve any tech problems that might crop up a long the way.

Course Pricing 

Regular Price: $1195 

Early Bird Regular Prices

$895 before May 30th, $1045 before July 31st

Installment Options

Split your payment into three equal monthly installments.

Student Price: $695

Early Bird Student Prices

$495 before May 30th, $595 before July 31st

Installment Options

Split your payment into three monthly installments.

Scholarships are Available

If you’re seeking support, be sure to explain in the application your need for scholarship support and how you will use this training.

 Steps to Register!

(Step One) COMPLETE APPLICATION:  Complete an application by clicking here.  Completing the application does not obligate you to register and can be helpful for discerning if this course is right for you at this time.  Please submit your application well in advance of early bird discounts so we have time to review it and get back to you. 

(Step Two) FREE WEBSITE SIGNUP: Sign up on the Deeptime Network for free by clicking here.  Be sure to click on activation links in two different emails you’ll receive.  If you run into any issues during sign up, write to us at [email protected].

(Step Three) COURSE REGISTRATION: Once a member of the Earth Law team responds to your application, you may register using a registration link they will send you.  Be sure to login on the Deeptime Network, before registering for the course.

Questions about your application and/or course content?  Please write to XXXX at XXXX.

 

 

Questions about your application or course content?  Write to XXXX at XXX.

Questions about signing up on the Deeptime Network and registering for the course, write to us at [email protected].

 

 

Anthony Robert Zelle, Esq., Tony is an Earth lawyer. While serving as Chair and President of the Earth Law Center, following 30 years in private practice trying cases and arguing appeals, he served as lead editor and author of the only comprehensive book on the subject: Earth Law: Emerging Ecocentric Law-A Guide for Practitioners. Developed for law school curricula, and now part of developing LLM programs internationally, the book has also become the primary reference source for practitioners.

The focus of Tony's current work is developing Earth law in practice and creating revenue-generating opportunities for Earth lawyers.

Learn more about Tony’s journey from a recent Boston College Law School Magazine profile.https://lawmagazine.bc.edu/2025/02/voice-for-the-earth/

This will close in 0 seconds

Maisie Paddon, Maisie is spearheading the advancement of Earth Law by integrating its principles into transformative policies and business strategies that resonate with Earth-centric practices and Nature's patterns. At the helm of Project 2040, she seeks to revolutionize financial systems, foster circular economies, and develop regenerative food systems. Her extensive experience in top-tier management consulting, with roles at Ernst & Young and Capgemini, showcases her ability to lead complex innovation programs and engage with C-suite leaders. With a solid foundation in Philosophy and Climate Science, Maisie is deeply committed to beneficial systemic change. She champions the inclusion of Nature's voice in discussions that tackle the multifaceted crises of today's modern world, while aligning her efforts with global frameworks like UN SDGs, ESG principles, and ISO standards. Her holistic and emotionally intelligent approach underscores her pursuit of sustainable and equitable solutions.

This will close in 0 seconds

Kerry Hudson, Hudson works as an activist and public interest lawyer with a focus on social justice, and an academic and employment history addressing heirs' property reform and protections of the Florida aquifer. He served as co-founder and manager for a medical practice that focused on Environmentally Acquired Diseases, and the effects of that most macro of human phenomenon—climate change, on the most granular, personal issues—individual health and the chronic and intractable maladies brought on by changing climate. He has served as Education Director for Rights of Nature and eco-centric education, creating informational content addressing topics such as environmental protections and property law, and the Public Trust Doctrine, and creating supplemental educational content for the law school textbook Earth Law: A Practitioner’s Guide. He holds an MFA in writing, has a publication history with both fiction and non-fiction, and has authored funded grants examining strategies to mitigate generational heirs' property abuses. He holds a J.D. with a focus on Environmental Justice, social equity, and restorative justice and has created informational and educational content addressing the intersection of environmental and legal issues such as the one-percenters' climate change preparations. Currently based in London, He works on a long-form manuscript addressing the importance of property law, social justice, and the climate change crisis.

This will close in 0 seconds

April Elizabeth Finlayson, April Elizabeth Finlayson is an “Edu-neer” dedicated to designing holistic and transformational learning experiences. She has a fervent commitment to reimagining education, promoting lifelong learning and creating uniquely curated, humanizing educational experiences for youth, and the young at heart. This has led to the development of nearly a dozen innovative schools and numerous educational programs in the K-12, after-school learning, adult development and Higher-Ed spaces.

April’s style of leadership and service is rooted in making space for learner voice, agency and empowerment. She believes that the best teaching and learning is reciprocal, interwoven and interchangeable. April asserts that “if a learner knows that they are seen, affirmed, “in-powered” and protected while learning, they will feel loved, and will henceforth thrive!”

April's students and graduates have gone on to international and national renown in philanthropy, entrepreneurship, professional athletics, entertainment, and being great, enjoyable people. April was cross culturally raised and educated between The Bahamas, the USA and Canada. She completed her undergraduate degree in International Development Studies, Political Science and Management from McGill University, and earned both her Master's Degree in Mind, Brain and Education and her Doctorate Degree in Education Leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Education.

This will close in 0 seconds

Tara A. Pierce, Tara holds degrees in painting, the humanities, a J.D., and an LL.M. in Oceans, Environment, & Sustainability. This transdisciplinary background enriched her legal studies and contributed to the successful publication of several papers on Earth Law and Restorative Ocean Farming. Her latest thesis synthesised her entire academic and hands-on experiences into an approach to transforming the law into a healing practice. Tara regularly guest lectures on Ocean & Coastal Law developments for various institutions in the United States and Europe.

This will close in 0 seconds

Cat Haas, Cat Haas is the Director of the Eco Jurisprudence Monitor (EJM), where she oversees the research and development of the world’s most comprehensive database of ecological jurisprudence initiatives globally. Since 2022, she has led efforts to document and analyze the global evolution of Earth-centered law, with a particular focus on the Rights of Nature movement, ecological law, and Indigenous ontologies. Cat holds an M.A. in Global Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where her research explored the influence of Indigenous cosmologies and pluriversal ontologies on the development and globalization of the Rights of Nature movement.
She also serves on the Steering Committee of the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature (GARN) Academic Hub, an interdisciplinary network of scholars specializing in ecological law and governance.
With a background in environmental education, Cat is passionate about fostering awareness and advocacy for sustainable, equitable legal frameworks that address the climate crisis and center ecological well-being

This will close in 0 seconds

Ava Roche, Ava is currently a pre-law focused senior at Columbia University studying Political Ecology, conducting her senior thesis on the socio-political effects of deep-sea mining in the Cook Islands. She is attending Columbia University’s Climate School next fall, and aspires to be an earth lawyer, with experience as the student director of the Earth Law Centers, “Earth Law: Emerging Ecocentric Law- a Guide for Practitioners” course last summer. She is an avid scuba diver who is passionate about protecting earths vital oceanic ecosystems, and is interning at Columbia Law Schools, "Sabin Center for Climate Change Law” this coming summer under Michael Gerrard. Above all, she can’t wait to TA with Earth Law Practice and work in such an impactful environment.

This will close in 0 seconds

Joseph O’Brien, Joseph recently graduated from Brown University with a concentration in environmental studies. At Brown, he organized an experimental climate negotiation simulation featuring non-human, non-state, and state actors. With a background in regenerative agriculture, political theory, and contemplative education, he is excited to support this year's cohort jump into the chaotic, beautiful, and generative world of Earth Law.

This will close in 0 seconds