PORTLAND, Maine – Bernstein Shur attorney Richard W. (Rick) Smith has received the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Accredited Professional designation from the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), which administers the certification program for green building standards in the United States and is an affiliate of the US Green Building Council. According to the GBCI’s Accredited Professional directory, Rick is the first and only attorney practicing in the state of Maine to complete the accreditation process.
LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED APs) have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles and the LEED Green Building Rating System. The LEED AP credential represents knowledge of the LEED Rating System and its application in practice.
“This is an exceptional accomplishment both for Rick and the Real Estate Practice Group,” said Charles E. Miller, Managing Shareholder of Bernstein Shur. “Our Real Estate Practice group is the largest in the northern New England region and has always been at the forefront of innovation in the industry. Our clients in every sector are keenly aware of the importance of sustainability. Rick’s technical knowledge will allow our firm to provide meaningful insight on the legal issues surrounding high-performance building.”
Seeking the input of a LEED AP has advantages at every phase of a project’s development, from site selection to project closeout. As a LEED accredited attorney, Rick can provide valuable guidance on how sustainable building strategies and the LEED certification process can be integrated effectively into design and construction projects. LEED certification is now required for public development projects by federal agencies and many state and local jurisdictions.
Bernstein Shur is one of northern New England’s largest multi-service law firms, with more than 90 attorneys in offices in Maine and New Hampshire. Founded in 1915, the firm provides practical and innovative counsel to clients throughout the region and around the world. Bernstein Shur is Maine's exclusive member of Lex Mundi, the world's leading association of independent law firms.