August 12, 2009
(Burlington, Vt.) Burlington-based Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC, a full-service law firm with offices in Vermont, New Hampshire and New York, recently received the Vermont Business Environmental Partnership designation for its accomplishments toward and commitment to continued implementation of environmentally-friendly business practices. It is the first law firm to receive the designation.
In 2008, DRM established a committee with representatives from all offices to guide the firm’s environmental initiative. Based on the committee’s recommendations, DRM adopted a policy statement formalizing its commitment to improving business operations and implemented various practices to lessen the firm’s impact on the local and global environment.
“Preserving the natural beauty and quality of life that Vermonters value is important to DRM and to many of our clients,” said Patricia M. Sabalis, a director of the firm and chair of DRM’s Green Committee. “It is gratifying to receive VBEP’s recognition of the steps we have taken to protect the environment, to promote the health and safety of our employees and to be responsible citizens in the communities where our offices are located.”
Practices and procedures that the firm has implemented to support its environmental commitment include utilizing teleconferences and videoconferences to reduce travel between offices; reducing paper consumption by encouraging double-sided printing, discouraging unnecessary printing and increasing the use of electronic file storage and invoicing; using paper that is at least 30 percent post-consumer content for in-house printing; utilizing single-stream recycling and providing convenient access to recycle bins; and working with Efficiency Vermont and building property managers to increase whole-building efficiencies.
VBEP is a voluntary environmental assistance and business recognition program offered by the Environmental Assistance Office of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation and the Vermont Small Business Development Center. Its goal is to promote both environmental and economic performance. Vermont businesses joining the Partnership use pollution prevention strategies and implement environmentally sound best management practices that go beyond compliance with existing environmental regulations.
DRM, with more than 80 attorneys and legal professionals in seven offices in Vermont, New Hampshire and New York, provides legal services to local, national and international clients in practice areas which include litigation, business law, labor and employment, captive insurance, environmental law, estate planning, family law, tax law, energy and telecommunications law, real estate, health care, intellectual property, creditors rights, venture capital and insurance defense. It represents clients in legislative, regulatory and public affairs through the Government and Public Affairs Group. DRM is the law firm member for Vermont of Lex Mundi, the world's leading association of independent law firms.
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