The Role of Lawyers and Bar Associations in Combating Climate Change

Topics:
  • Environmental

This event brings together an unprecedented coalition of national, international, state, and local bar associations.  It is premised on the idea that lawyers can and should play a greater role in combating climate change.  Panelists will advance practical ideas on how to engage in climate-conscious lawyering in counseling clients and engaging in pro bono activities.

Climate change is already altering, and will continue to alter, the background conditions on which the practice of law is based, and the risks and opportunities of a wide range of activities in which clients engage.  It is also leading to a variety of new public and private laws.

Law associations, including the American Bar Association, have responded with resolutions encouraging climate conscious lawyering and providing guidance to lawyers on how climate change affects their current professional responsibilities.  The panelists will discuss these and other actions, and invite discussion on what more needs to be done.