Lawyers turn to pro bono work to drive climate solutions beyond the courtroom

A growing virtual bootcamp trains legal professionals to support climate initiatives through everything from contracts to corporate advising.

Claire Elise Thompson reports for Grist.

In short:

The Climate Pro Bono Bootcamp, launched by environmental lawyer Matthew Karmel and Green Pro Bono’s Stephanie Demetry, aims to show how legal skills of all kinds — not just litigation — can support climate efforts.
The bootcamp’s 2024 debut drew 700 participants, leading to a doubling of Green Pro Bono’s legal volunteer network and a 53% increase in matched projects.
Organizers hope to eventually break a Guinness World Record for largest virtual law conference, using that momentum to connect more lawyers to climate-related service.

Key quote:

“There are so many attorneys working at large law firms, small law firms — who just don’t do litigation, but are still very passionate about climate change and want to apply their skills in that way.”

— Stephanie Demetry, executive director of Green Pro Bono

Why this matters:

As the climate crisis escalates, the spotlight often lands on solar panels, electric vehicles, and carbon capture technology, but behind the scenes, legal frameworks are emerging as critical tools for climate resilience. Legal infrastructure shapes everything from who owns the rights to a climate-smart invention, to whether a frontline community group can navigate the red tape to incorporate and access funding. Environmental attorneys, nonprofit legal aid organizations, and pro bono networks are quietly enabling transformative work, helping communities build sustainable businesses, defend against polluting developments, and maintain control over local land and resources.

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