Sustainable Law Practice: Lead, Earn Respect, and Increase Your Organization's Bottom Line

Abstract

Did the title pique your curiosity? If so, you are the type of leader who needs to read this article. You need to read it because you already intuitively understand why sustainability, and therefore, sustainable law practice, is important for our environment and makes business sense — or you have the desire to understand it. Many of us understand the theoretical concept that sustainability is a “good thing,” but don’t know how or where to find resources to put it into practice. Just as the title implies, this article provides basic information and access to resources that demonstrate how organizations in the legal world (firms, government, law schools, bar associations, and others) can — and in many cases, are — leading the way by incorporating sustainability into their practices and cultures. This includes simple tasks done at the individual level, such as turning off lights when you leave your office, up to organizational level programs or policies designed to minimize electricity and paper use. By showing this kind of leadership, your organization will earn the respect of the community, clients and peers, and improve your organization’s financial well-being.