As a networking group for lawyers, it wouldn't be right to start with anything but a definition. The Cambridge Dictionary defines the "green collar" as "used to describe a job that is related to the protection of the natural environment".

 

A stereotypical view of this definition would have you think that to be a "green collar" lawyer, you would need to be using your law degree to hold oil companies to account, blocking planning on coal mines or suing plastic manufacturers in order to qualify.

 

We at GCLG disagree. While there are superhero lawyers doing that kind of work, we believe that everyone involved in the legal industry can use their position to protect the natural environment. Here are some of the ways you can be a "green collar" lawyer:

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• As a contracts and commercial lawyer, incorporate ESG focused clauses into contracts to encourage companies to hold one another accountable for their emissions;

• As a real estate lawyer, discuss ways in which more environmentally friendly developments can benefit them financially as well as socially;

• As an employment lawyer, protect and support employees who whistleblow against their disingenuous employers for greenwashing;

• As a litigation lawyer, enforce and pursue companies who say one thing and do another with their environmental goals;

• As a criminal lawyer, prosecute those committing illegal fly tipping, fishing or polluting the water systems;

• As a law firm employee, query your law firms' sustainable track record, join or create an ESG Committee to hold the firm to account and to set ambitious goals;

• As a future lawyer, ask interviewers about their sustainability principles and what they are doing in order to hit these targets when looking to join a firm.

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These are just a few of the ways that lawyers and future lawyers can protect the environment as part of their role, and in the coming years more and more sectors will begin to get involved.

 

So now you know you're a "green collar" lawyer too, why not join GCLG below? It is free to join and you will get access to our specialist groups and forums for guidance and support.