A pioneering group of Australian firms have taken the bold step of revealing their carbon footprints as the legal industry moves towards becoming eco-friendly.

Article originally published in the Lawyers Weekly, 8 April 2011

Australia's first ever report on the environmental consumption of law firms was released last week in an effort to raise awareness and collectively improve the environmental impact of the country's legal industry.

Produced by the newly formed Australian Legal Sector Alliance (AusLSA), the Environmental Consumption of AusLSA Members 2009/2010 report revealed the carbon footprint of AusLSA's eight founding executive members, providing a transparent baseline for future sustainability initiatives.

Officially launched by the Honourable Malcolm Turnbull MP, the report exposed the carbon emissions of Clayton UTZ, DLA Phillips Fox, Henry Davis York, Jackson McDonald, Maddocks, McCullough Robertson, Norton Rose Australia and Swaab Attorneys.

"The publication of this report demonstrates a significant commitment by the AusLSA executive members," said Terence Jeyaretnam, the director of sustainability advisory firm Net Balance.

"In Australia, very few law firms have taken the bold step of publicly reporting their environmental footprint. By holding themselves accountable in this way, the AusLSA executive members should be commended for their courage and leadership in working together for the collective good."

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Swaab Attorneys was the highest ranking law firm and the 13th best place to work in Australia in the 2010 Business Review Weekly Best Places to Work Awards. The firm was a finalist in the 2010 BRW Client Choice Awards for client service and was named the winner in the 2009 Australasian Legal Business Employer of Choice Awards.

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