Morrison & Foerster LLP is proud to be one of the nine law firms launching Lawyers for a Sustainable Economy, a groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind initiative to advance sustainability around the world. As a lead founding firm, MoFo has committed to providing free legal services worth at least $2 million by 2020 to entrepreneurs and community-based nonprofits taking on key sustainability challenges.
The Lawyers for a Sustainable Economy initiative was formally launched on September 14, 2018, at the Global Climate Action Summit, where environmental leaders and government officials came together in San Francisco to further reduce actions that contribute to global climate change. The Summit served as a launchpad for deeper worldwide commitments and accelerated action to prevent dangerous climate change.
"Committing to the Lawyers for a Sustainable Economy as a founding firm is an honor for us," said Suz Mac Cormac, chair of MoFo's Social Enterprise and Impact Investing practice and Energy Group. "We are not only among the top firms in the country in terms of pro bono commitment—providing considerable services to, and serving on the boards of, CERES, BSR, TNC and other critical voices shaping global action on climate change—we have also been leaders in impact investment and sustainability since 2001. We help our company and investor clients promote social and environmental values while seeking financial returns, specializing in crafting creative and viable mainstream capital market solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Our lawyers are passionate about this mission and look forward to expanding our pro bono commitment."
Lawyers for a Sustainable Economy will provide a vast range of legal services, advising clients in such areas as corporate, tax, financing and investment, real estate, IP, privacy, litigation and more.
"This pro bono legal aid will give a major boost to people who are fighting pollution," said Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr., in a press release announcing the launch, which also notes Calif. Attorney General Xavier Becerra's support for the program.
In addition to having a multifaceted Energy practice that's focused on serving the rapidly evolving needs of the industry, MoFo is in the unique position to provide clients of the initiative with cutting-edge legal services through the firm's Social Enterprise and Impact Investing group, whose lawyers are helping to solve the world's biggest problems through innovative businesses and mission-focused investments.