Sus tainable La w
Sustainable law is a new concept for law firms and as such, Daltons considers themselves the market leaders. Sarah Jordan, commercial property solicitor at Daltons’ Petersfield office, tells us more:-
What is sustainable law?
Sustainable law is all about meeting the needs and expectations of clients without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, whether in relation to the provision of legal services or otherwise. In a nutshell, it is about conserving what we have and protecting it. At Daltons, their priority is the provision of high quality legal advice to clients. Their understanding of sustainability issues enhances the value delivered to clients.
To begin with Daltons looked at their own practice and having taken the time to understand sustainability, they applied their knowledge and understanding for the benefit of their clients.
Sarah explains that sustainable law has evolved from the provision of agricultural law services: ‘My farming clients are increasingly introducing and considering green technologies and supply chains ranging from renewable energy provision to biomass to the growing demand for locally farmed produce. This shift in core farming practice requires a whole new range of legal products and services. However, it is no longer only the farmers who require this service but the smallholders, estate owners, local authorities and local individuals and businesses who themselves are providing sustainable services.’
Sarah told the Business Magazine that there are two key elements to the Daltons brand of Sustainable Law.
Daltons actively promotes sustainable working within the firm and to their local community.
As a whole, the legal profession uses vast quantities of a variety of resources, particularly paper. Daltons are committed to using resources in a manner consistent with a sustainable future in which adequate, healthy resources are preserved for future generations. Land use, forestry, air and water quality are all dependant on this.
Daltons actively recycle paper by way of secure shredding facility, where possible purchases are made from suppliers who themselves value sustainability. An office waste reduction initiative was introduced, double sided copying and printing is used wherever possible, lights are turned off in unused rooms, energy saving lightbulbs are used, printer cartridges are recycled and electronic equipment is programmed to power down or switch to energy saving mode when not in use.
The firm runs a plastic milk bottle top collection recycling scheme for the local community and are designing and forming vegetable allotments in the Petersfield office garden for keen staff to collectively grow produce and share the results. They are planning on opening part of their garden to local youth groups to encourage youngsters to learn how to grow their own produce.
Many of you will have heard of the national Greening Campaign (www.greening-law.co.uk), which aims to promote a more sustainable way of life. By collective groups within communities agreeing to make small cost effective changes at home and work (such as turning off lights when leaving a room, washing at 30 degrees and so on), this has a huge impact on national reductions of carbon dioxide. As individuals, many of us feel that we do not make any difference, but as a community we can do. Greening Petersfield is the home of the Greening Campaign and the campaign has since been rolled out to 120 national communities. Daltons is proud to support Greening Petersfield and the Greening Campaign. In fact, Sarah plans to launch Greening Midhurst during 2009.
Daltons adds value to their existing client base by offering technical expertise as sustainable law specialists.
Daltons has an established base of clients committed to conducting their business on sustainable values. As such, Daltons are able to offer an all encompassing sustainable service within this sector, as well as to any other business or individual inclined to “go green” wherever possible. Legal clients not only seek value for money and good service but also have a ‘green conscience.’ By opting to instruct a firm like Daltons, clients are satisfying the growing trend of linking their personal and business affairs with like-minded firms that recognise and care for the future of the environment.
The firm has strong links with the sustainable sector which allows them to draw on expertise from other like minded professionals with a view to making any transaction as profitable and as “green” as possible.
Sustainable Law itself is a growth business area and already covers an array of legal issues ranging from:-
• biomass / biofuel contract drafting and negotiation;
• food supply contract drafting and negotiation;
• local supply chain contracts;
• national / multi-national company contract review and negotiation;
• woodland management contracts;
• advice concerning grants available from government;
• allotment lets;
• buying and selling land;
• renting land;
• smallholding advice;
• business support advice;
• local authority support advice;
• community project advice;
• risk assessments
• and more …
Daltons really is a law firm that practices what it preaches and adopts integrated, long-term thinking for the social, economic and environmental benefit of their clients and local and national community.
Daltons offer a full range of private and commercial legal services. Please see their website for details of other practice areas (www.daltons-law.co.uk) or call at anytime to discuss your requirements (01730 262816). They offer a 30 minute free initial consultation so as well as satisfying your ‘green conscience’ it will also suit the pocket!
Your past, present and ‘sustainable’ future
June 23rd, 2009 at 11:30 am
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