First Sustainability Partners Appointed at Reed Smith
Reed Smith announced the addition of three partners who will play a crucial role in advancing the firm's sustainability objectives. Todd Maiden, Jennifer Smokelin, and Elle Todd have been appointed as the first sustainability partners at Reed Smith.
Todd Maiden, based in San Francisco, is the U.S. Sustainability Partner for the West and a member of the Environmental & Natural Resources Group. He assists clients in managing the risks associated with environmental, energy, climate change, and ESG/sustainability issues. Maiden's role will cover Reed Smith's five California offices, three Texas offices, and the Chicago office.
Jennifer Smokelin, the U.S. Sustainability Partner for the East, is based in Pittsburgh and is one of the ESG practice leaders as well as a member of the Environmental & Natural Resources Group. She represents clients on environmental and emerging energy issues, greenhouse gas legislation, and other environmental matters. Smokelin's role will cover Reed Smith's nine offices in the Eastern time zone.
Elle Todd, the EMEA Sustainability Partner, is based in Reed Smith's London office and a member of the Entertainment & Media Industry Group. She has contributed to award-winning green initiatives in the UK and Asia and has extensive experience in this field. Todd's role will cover the firm's 13 offices in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
These appointments coincide with the launch of Reed Smith's Global Environmental Sustainability Plan 2024, which highlights the firm's continued commitment to advancing environmental sustainability within its operations, communities, and the legal industry.
The plan's release included the implementation of a sustainability billable-hours policy, the first of its kind in the legal industry. As of June 1, 2022, timekeepers can log 25 hours of sustainability-related activities such as leadership, advocacy, training, and development toward the firm's 140-hour annual billable credit for non-billable work.
“Having three experienced and committed partners leading our global sustainability efforts is a key part of our plan,” said Nick Bagiatis, Reed Smith’s chief operating officer. “Together with our sustainability champions and local green team members, Todd, Jennifer, and Elle will be champions for our initial focus on reducing carbon emissions, increasing recycling, and fostering internal engagement.”
Reed Smith launched its Environmental, Social, and Governance practice in July, providing counsel to clients proactively reshaping their businesses to tackle societal issues such as climate change, sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and more.
Source: Reed Smith
