David J. Hayes Applauds Major Law Firms’ $15 Million Commitment in Pro Bono Legal Services to Clean Energy and Other Sustainability-Focused Innovations
David J. Hayes released the following statement in response to the Lawyers for a Sustainable Economy initiative announced this morning during the Global Climate Action Summit
September 14, 2018
San Francisco, CA — David J. Hayes, Executive Director of the State Energy & Environmental Impact Center at NYU School of Law and former Interior Deputy Secretary in the Obama and Clinton Administrations, released the following statement in response to the Lawyers for a Sustainable Economy initiative announced this morning during the Global Climate Action Summit:
“The NYU State Impact Center, which works with state attorneys general on clean energy, climate and environmental matters, appreciated the opportunity to assist in putting together this important non-partisan initiative. Advancing innovation in areas like clean energy and other sustainability initiatives requires a whole-of-society effort – including the assistance of the top-flight law firms that are today committing millions of dollars in pro bono legal services to the effort.”
BACKGROUND
On September 14 nine of the U.S.’s largest and most respected law firms announced a new Lawyers for a Sustainable Economy initiative providing $15 million in free legal services to help entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations advance their work on important sustainability initiatives across economic sectors, including energy, transportation and land use.
The announcement comes as part of the 2018 Global Climate Action Summit in California, where leaders from around the world have gathered to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of states, regions, cities, companies, investors and citizens with respect to climate action.
There are seven lead founding firms taking part in Lawyers for a Sustainable Economy, with each committing to providing at least $2 million in pro-bono legal services by 2020. These firms are Arnold & Porter, Cooley, Dentons, Holland & Knight, Latham & Watkins, Morrison & Foerster and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. Two additional founding firms, Hogan Lovells and WilmerHale, have committed to providing at least $500,000 in pro-bono legal services by 2020.
As part of the initiative the firms have committed to providing a wide array of legal services, including issues related to corporate governance, incorporation, contracts, intellectual property, real estate, website-related issues, regulatory issues, financing and investment advice, tax advice and assistance with litigation. The pro bono commitments will be implemented in a manner consistent with each firm’s own pro bono and conflicts rules and policies as well as the firms’ own assessment of any relevant regulations. Stanford Law School and Stanford’s Precourt Institute for Energy will facilitate connections between participating firms and potential pro bono clients, and track the effort’s impact.
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About the State Energy & Environmental Impact Center:
The State Energy & Environmental Impact Center at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan academic center at NYU School of Law. The Center is dedicated to working towards a healthy and safe environment, guided by inclusive and equitable principles. The Center studies and supports the work of state attorneys general (AGs) in defending, enforcing, and promoting strong laws and policies in the areas of climate, environmental justice, environmental protection, and clean energy.