Arnold & Porter's Environmental practice was featured in a recent ABA Journal article discussing the evolving legal landscape around climate change issues. Partner Brian Israel, who chairs Arnold & Porter's Environmental practice, highlights the firm's commitment to providing pro bono assistance to clients seeking to promote sustainability. Through Lawyers for a Sustainable Economy, an initiative to provide pro bono legal services to sustainability-focused entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations, Arnold & Porter committed $2 million worth of free legal services over 2 years; Israel notes that the firm has already exceeded its pledge—over a year ahead of schedule—and that the firm plans to continue to expand its practice in this area.
Senior counsel Michael Gerrard, who is Director of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School, was also quoted in the article explaining the potential applications of climate change litigation. Gerrard, in conjunction with Arnold & Porter, launched the Renewable Energy Legal Defense Initiative in 2019 to provide litigation resources for individuals who cannot access renewable energy sources because of local opposition. Arnold & Porter associate Laura Cottingham is donating 50% of her hours to pro bono work for the group, and was also mentioned in the ABA Journal article.