Lang Richert & Patch Leads Central Valley Law Firms in Growing Green.

It started with a simple decision to switch from buying bottled water to installing a filtered water system. Today Lang, Richert and Patch has adopted a series of environmentally friendly policies that led it to become the first private law firm based in the Central Valley to be recognized by the ABA as a Partner in their Climate Challenge program.

“We have learned that going green today can mean saving green” said partner, Robert Patch II.  Lang, Richert and Patch has shown that you can reduce your carbon footprint without installing costly solar roofing shingles and wind turbines. Implementing greener paper management protocols and reducing energy-use are two economical ways to go-green.

Paper Management
Given the paper-intensive nature of practicing law, Lang, Richert & Patch has focused on adopting greener paper management. “Along with recycling over ninety percent of our mixed waste paper, we have adopted a policy to only use paper products that are made with at least 30% recycled content. We also encourage employees to print all internal documents double sided to reduce paper consumption,” said Rene Lastreto, a partner of Lang, Richert and Patch. By embracing green practices, Lang, Richert & Patch is making a commitment to lead the Central Valley as a steward of the environment and hopes that other law firms and other businesses will follow suit.

Reducing Energy Use
Small businesses pay more for energy than big businesses, and adopting green practices can dramatically reduce energy costs. Simple things like replacing traditional light bulbs, regularly servicing heating and air conditioning, or installing motion sensor lights can cut energy bills by 20% to 30%. Replacing office equipment? Make sure to get Energy Star compliant models with “sleep mode” to reduce energy when not in use. Green policies don’t have to be complex or burdensome. To get the attorneys and staff in your office to become more environmentally conscious, start with something simple: turn off the lights when you leave. This includes when you leave for lunch – a novel concept that eliminates hundreds of hours of unnecessary energy consumption every week.

Lang, Richert and Patch has already seen the intangible benefits of going green. For one it breeds loyalty. “Our employees appreciate our efforts – they want to work for companies who are socially responsible,” said Mr. Patch. The firm has also found greenness is a valuable tool for recruiting young, talented attorneys who have made it clear that environmental consciousness is a factor in their decision making. “In order to get the best and brightest recruits, we have to keep pace with the eco-friendly firms in the Bay Area and Los Angeles” said Mr. Patch. Moreover, sophisticated clients and large corporate clients, who already have green policies, expect their outside counsel to adopt environmentally friendly practices. Like their corporate clients, Lang, Richert and Patch is discovering that taking steps that are good for the environment can also be good for the bottom line.

It won’t be long before we will all drive to work in an energy efficient car, enter our environmentally-friendly “LEED”certified building, and transact business in a paperless environment. In the meantime, Central Valley law firms and other businesses should follow the leadership of Lang, Richert and Patch and implement environmentally friendly policies that can help business and save money.

Ana de Alba Joins Newly Formed State Bar Committee

Ana de Alba has joined the newly formed State Bar of California Pro Bono Coordinating Committee (”PBCC”). PBCC is a joint project of the California Commission on Access to Justice and the State Bar Standing Committee on the Delivery of Legal Services. PBCC’s mission is to encourage, facilitate, and coordinate pro bono efforts throughout the state by: developing and maintaining communications between PBCC and other pro bono related entities; providing a forum for identifying gaps in, and barriers to, pro bono participation; creating informational, advisory, and/or working groups on pro bono issues and projects as necessary; and coordinating and advising on the State Bar’s pro bono efforts.

Erica C. Gonzalez Elected To Fresno County Young Lawyers Board of Directors

Erica C. Gonzalez was elected to the Fresno County Young Lawyers Association (FCYLA) Board of Directors for the 2010/2011 term. FCYLA is composed of those members of the Fresno County Bar Association who have been members of the State Bar of California for five years or less or are 36 years of age or younger. FCYLA is formally affiliated with the Fresno County Bar Association, but has its own independently elected Board of Directors.

FCYLA organizes events throughout the year to provide opportunities for new lawyers to interact in order to continue the tradition of a close-knit association between local practitioners. To achieve this, FCYLA begins by providing organizational support for the swearing in ceremonies for new lawyers. The effort continues with several social gatherings during the year, which allow lawyers to interact in informal settings. FCYLA also sponsors the George A. Hopper Memorial Scholarship Luncheon, which awards a scholarship to a local law student and brings a prominent member of the judiciary to address the local bar. In addition, FCYLA sponsors the Blaine E. Pettitt Memorial Mentor Award, recognizing the contributions of a local attorney toward the development of new lawyers.

FCYLA gives back to the community by providing lawyer volunteers to help coach high school students in a mock trial competition sponsored by the Constitutional Rights Foundation and the California Young Lawyers Association and also provides, on a continuing basis, Career Day speakers and classroom lawyer advisors to local elementary and high schools.

National Pro Bono Week Celebration Reception Hosted by Lang, Richert & Patch

Earlier this year, the Board of Governors of the State Bar of California adopted a resolution recognizing the week of October 25 through October 31, 2009, as the first annual National Pro Bono Week Celebration. Lang, Richert & Patch was pleased to host Voluntary Legal Services Program’s and Fresno County Bar Association Pro Bono Section’s reception celebrating National Celebrate Pro Bono Week on Wednesday, October 28, 2009. Ana de Alba of Lang, Richert & Patch, worked closely with Voluntary Legal Services Program and Fresno County Bar Association Pro Bono Section to put this event together.  The reception was well attended by private and public sector attorneys, judges, and community leaders and recognized local attorneys for their ongoing pro bono contributions.  It also served to encourage others to engage in pro bono work and provide financial support to make a difference in the lives of the poor and disenfranchised.

Fresno Law Firm seeks Bankruptcy Creditor’s Rights Attorney

Lang, Richert & Patch, a Fresno AV-rated law firm, seeks an attorney with 2 – 3 years of experience handling bankruptcy matters and creditor’s rights. Salary is commensurate with experience. Benefits include, but are not limited to, medical, dental, vision and a 401(k) profit sharing plan. Relocation package is included. This is a partner track position. All inquiries will be kept strictly confidential. Please send your resume to: recruiting@lrplaw.net

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