Through its pro bono efforts on behalf of the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF), Shearman & Sterling is contributing to a greener environment in the Northeastern United States. The oldest environmental advocacy group in the region, the New England-based CLF helped pave the way for the cleanup of Boston Harbor and protection of Georges Bank, a critical ocean fishing ground. Recently, the group has drawn on the talents of Shearman & Sterling’s attorneys from a number of practice areas for two significant pro bono projects.

In one matter, the firm has been helping a CLF affiliate, CLF Ventures, with the formation of the Northeast Wind Collaborative (NEW), a non-profit trade organization. The group, which is expected to include some of the most prominent wind power developers in the Northeast, aims to promote the development of sustainable wind power in the region. CLF notes that non-polluting wind power, generated through turbines, “is currently the most viable renewable fuel in New England.”

The pro bono project, which includes assisting NEW with obtaining 501(c)(6) status, requires a mix of resources from the firm’s corporate, project development, and tax practice areas, explains counsel Rob Freedman (New York-Finance). Having joined Shearman & Sterling from the energy investment business of the General Electric Company, where he worked on several renewable energy projects, Freedman was well-equipped to take the lead on the NEW project. Associate Henry Robbins (New York-M&A), who has worked with Freedman on other energy matters, has worked closely with Freedman on the project, while partner Mitch Menaker (New York-Tax) and associate Amy Lewis (New York-Tax) have assisted with the tax issues. Cynthia Urda Kassis (New York-Finance) was the supervising partner on the matter.

Freedman notes that this type of project is a natural fit for Shearman & Sterling. “The firm has already done a good deal of work in the renewable energy sector, from working on the development and financing of renewable energy projects, to the design of asset management products for such projects, to M&A transactions for renewable energy companies,” he observes. “Our work with CLF Ventures and NEW is a good example of the many ways the firm can be involved in green initiatives and the renewable energy industry. It’s also another example of the firm’s ability to pull together its multiple and varied resources.”