Renewable energy is a focal point for reversing the climate crisis’ effects and putting the world on a healthier, more sustainable path. Environmentalists most commonly focus on solar and wind energy, moving away from fossil fuels.

However, they may encounter legal issues along the way. These legal firms are taking unique approaches to helping activists and organizations through any troubles they could find themselves in.

Sabin Center for Climate Change Law

From Columbia University, the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law formed to help bring about environmental change where progress was getting stuck. Often, this firm provides pro bono work.

In one instance, the team helped farmers in Coxsackie, N.Y., when the town was preventing solar panel installation. Legal advisers sought to help farmers expand renewable operations in the area.

New York’s Westchester County saw a similar issue when a homeowners’ association prevented a resident from installing solar panels on his home. The legal team reviewed the legislation and stated the association could not prevent renewable energy.

Arnold & Porter

Located in Washington, D.C., the Arnold & Porter law firm commits to helping those in need of making renewable progress a reality. Also working pro bono, the environmental associates take on initiatives from big names.

For instance, the National Parks Conservation Association has been fighting against the Trump administration’s plans to reduce the size of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. This legal battle is part of the firm’s ongoing commitment to the environment and expanding renewable energy.

The Charleston Group

Renewability comes in many different forms — and firms must turn their words into action. The Charleston Group accomplishes that feat by working on environment-based cases, including renewable energy initiatives.

Moreover, the group dedicates itself to evolving with the demands of sustainability. The Charleston Group’s “Go Green” promises include using Energy Star appliances to conserve energy, recycling and using digital documents instead of wasting paper.

Latham & Watkins

Sustainability must be a global effort. To accomplish renewable projects, all continents must collaborate on their renewable energy projects. Latham & Watkins specializes in legal representation across the board, from the United States to Africa to Asia.

This firm understands the need to look at multiple issues at once. Its focus on environmental law, finances, health care and poverty overlap consistently. As members represent environment-based projects, they can also focus on helping those in need along the way. Many homelessness-based cases are pro bono.

Vinson & Elkins

Vinson & Elkins takes a global perspective on law. You’ll find this firm covers everything from technology to the environment. Critically, it often focuses on the overlap of technology and the environment. Smart renewable energy grids, for instance, are necessary to combat the climate crisis.

Of the 30,000 hours of pro bono work that Vinson & Elkins commits to, much of that time goes to these renewable projects. Representatives can counsel those who need help with solar, wind, hydropower, biomass and even waste-to-energy systems.

Norton Rose Fulbright

Another law firm that takes an international approach to representing renewable energy is Norton Rose Fulbright. These lawyers have made a name for themselves in the energy sector and plan to continue the hard work.

Norton Rose Fulbright understands energy issues can appear in any form, which is why its representatives focus on transportation, innovation, technology and science, alongside renewability and sustainability.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe

With solar, wind and other alternative energy sources leading the charge, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe focus on making lasting environmental change. After 40 years of experience in representing environmental causes, this firm is still going strong.

Recently, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe led a case for Greenlight Planet that helped allocate $90 million in funding for Africa’s renewable energy projects. Solar panels on rooftops and energy-efficient home appliances can now become more widely available for residents in Africa.

D.C. Environment & Energy Associations

In the D.C. area, law firms and legal resources came together to discuss the environment, sustainability and how organizations could find the help they need. This conference from the D.C. Environment & Energy Associations occurred on Oct. 28, 2020.

However, the resources are still present on the event’s listing if you’re seeking places to get started or partner with in your environmental legal battles. Creating more conferences like this one around the world would help move the renewable movement forward.

Stellar Resources

These legal firms have taken action for renewable energy and environmental movements, helping them stand out in the crowd. Continuing this momentum will aid in the fight to reverse the climate crisis.