Principal Dan Krainin (New York) was quoted in an April 19 article in Law360 titled "Looking to Go Green? Here's How It Can Work for Your Firm." The article focuses on the efforts that law firms can make to implement sustainability efforts and reduce their environmental footprint.

The article notes that while cost concerns may prevent law firms from implementing such initiatives, it's important to remember that they are an investment with the potential to create benefits in both the short term and down the road. For example, firms might switch their computers' default printing setting to double-sided, cutting down on paper consumption across the board. Kitchens can provide reusable glassware and other dishes to similarly cut down on single-use disposable cup and plate waste.

Various organizations exist to provide assistance and tools to law firms and other organizations on their path to sustainability, such as the Law Firm Sustainability Network (LFSN). LFSN provides advice on best practices for sustainability, as well as analytical tools that help firms understand their environmental impact and where they might improve. One of the LFSN’s signature initiatives is the American Legal Industry Sustainability Standard (ALISS), an online self-assessment tool that serves both as a roadmap of best practices and an objective measure of a firm’s sustainability efforts.

Sustainability is increasingly important to law firm clients as well, with 85% of LFSN survey respondents saying they have received at least one request for proposal or information on sustainability policies. Benefits can be seen from a personnel standpoint as well. "There's certainly a morale benefit for people who are already at the firm, and a recruiting benefit for people who may have a number of options," noted Dan, the firm's Green Team and President of LFSN. "This is one way to differentiate and give some objective markers in terms of firm culture."

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