Herbert Smith has launched a new climate change and sustainable development group.
The group will be headed up by energy partner Henry Davey and project finance partner Andrew Newbery and the firm hopes it will allow it to capitalise on government-backed initiatives to promote renewable energy.
The top 10 City firm hopes to advise on legal issues associated with emissions trading, urban regeneration, green investment funds and climate change litigation. The new group spans Herbert Smith’s energy and infrastructure projects, environmental, real estate, funds, public law and disputes practices and also includes partners from Herbert Smith’s alliance firms, Gleiss Lutz and Stibbe.
Since the group was established earlier this year, the firm has been instructed to advise a number of real estate funds on a pan-European green buildings fund.
Davey commented: “There is a lot of crossover with different parts of the firm - we want to be able to share ideas, talk about changes in law and best practice. We want to be able to say to clients: ‘we cannot only help you to raise this ethical fund - we can also help and advise you where to spend it’.”
Herbert Smith has also set up an internal climate change group under planning partner Matthew White. Comprising fee earners, business development and knowledge management staff, the group will help to promote green initiatives around the firm.
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