BigLaw, it seems, has found a silver lining in the cloud of greenhouse gases.
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld announced Wednesday that it has formed a new global climate change practice. Lawyers in the section will advise clients on how to meet new restrictions on carbon emissions. But one of the group’s Washington leaders, Paul Gutermann, says the practice will also help clients navigate some of the more stringent environmental limitations. “Typically, our clients try to be sort of in compliance with whatever the environmental laws and restrictions are, but part of also what we do, is we try to help them keep their business objectives in a lawful manner,” says Gutermann, adding that “if there are gaps in the regulatory program, sure, we will help them [the client] try to fit within the law.”
