Jeffrey Lesk, a partner at Nixon Peabody, has earned a credential that only four other lawyers in Washington can boast: He has become a LEED accredited professional.
Why? So that he can better advise clients seeking LEED certification, of course.
LEED certification is a widely recognized standard for rating how “green” buildings are. The LEED system, a project of the U.S. Green Building Council, rates new and renovated buildings on a number of criteria, including choosing a suitable site, conserving energy and water throughout the building process, using low-impact materials, and preserving indoor air quality.
According to Lesk, earning accreditation requires applicants to choose one of three exam tracks, each with its own textbook-like manual, and then pass a test on the subject matter. The three tracks focus on new buildings, existing buildings, and commercial interiors.
Only about 75 lawyers have achieved LEED accreditation nationwide. The accreditation is usually pursued by building developers, architects, engineers, and designers.
Lesk predicts that earning LEED certification for buildings will become much more important for Washington developers in the next few years as the District’s Green Building Act of 2006 goes into effect. The act phases in LEED requirements for all new construction and renovation projects over a four-year period.
According to the LEED site, the other LEED accredited lawyers in Washington are David Blake, a partner at Seyfarth Shaw; Keith McGlamery, a partner at Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll; Casius Pealer, an associate at Reno & Cavenaugh; and Shannon Sentman, an associate at Holland & Knight.
Is 75 still an accurate accounting? Does anyone know the number of accredited paralegals?
Posted by: caroline | October 15, 2008 at 03:20 PM