Miller & Martin PLLC has formalized its Sustainability Practice Group, comprised of 30 attorneys from Miller & Martin’s three offices, in order to establish an efficient clearinghouse for the work that the firm is already performing for clients around the nation in this increasingly important area of the law.
The firm has also committed to participating in the “ABA-EPA Law Office Climate Challenge,” a joint program of the American Bar Association and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The Challenge calls on participating firms to take steps to conserve through the use and recycling of paper, the purchase of energy from renewable sources and in-house energy conservation through upgrading equipment and careful energy management practices.
With more than 200 lawyers based in Atlanta, Chattanooga and Nashville, Miller & Martin adds to the growing list of firms nationwide that have taken on this important challenge.
Member Bobby Dann spearheaded both sustainability efforts. Mr. Dann advocated for the formation of the Sustainability Practice Group when he realized the depth and breadth of Miller & Martin’s existing efforts to support clients addressing a wide range of environmental issues.
The Group works with clients on a number of key issues, including renewable energy, biofuels, greenhouse gas issues, clean water, carbon trading and credits and related financing, energy tax credits, environmental policy and legislation, and construction and permitting issues.
Managing Member Howard Levine said, “We were already doing this type of work for a number of clients. It made sense that we would formalize a group to capitalize on the firm’s existing experience and provide clients with the benefits of those efficiencies.”
Firm leadership backed Mr. Dann’s recommendation to undertake the Climate Challenge as a way to increase energy efficiency, reduce waste and, ultimately, result in cost savings. Mr. Dann formed a Sustainability Think Tank consisting of staff and lawyers who meet regularly to develop new processes and protocols to reduce its carbon footprint.
The firm already recycles paper, plastic and aluminum in all of its offices and has made plans to expand its purchase of recycled paper. The firm is also working to reprogram its printers and copiers to default to double-sided printouts, significantly reducing paper usage.
Mr. Levine said, “As part of our longstanding history of service to our communities, we take sustainability seriously. More businesses and other organizations are paying attention to 'green' initiatives and expect that their law firms do also. The firm has enrolled in the Climate Challenge to show its commitment to conservation and sustainable practices and we stand ready to assist clients in their sustainability efforts.”