USING THE LAW TO DEFEND THE PLANET

“Using the Law to Defend the Planet” is rooted in the work of 17 trailblazing lawyers in my book Warrior Lawyers: From Manila to Manhattan, Attorneys for the Earth, and it describes a new paradigm: where traditional environmental law works through the permit system to “legalize harms,” as one lawyer puts it, these lawyers seek to deny permission for harmful activities and to prevent these harms altogether.

Often mischievous but always serious, they are passionate, articulate, courageous and — surprisingly — entertaining. One reviewer called the book “a romp with some of the finest legal minds on the planet… You get to the end and realize you have feasted on both revolution and hope.”

These lawyers interpret their professional obligations and opportunities in a fresh, creative and challenging way.  Their example offers great hope for the future.

“Using the Law to Defend  the Planet” is a companion presentation to Warrior Lawyers and my 67-minute feature documentary film, Green Rights: The Human Right to a Healthy World. A screening of the film, and/or a deeply discounted bulk purchase of the book can be packaged together with the presentation.

The trailer for the film can be screened here: http://ow.ly/NxSt30c5UrV

A private link to stream the film is available on request.

The book and film are part of the Green Rights project (www.GreenRights.com) which tells the stories of trailblazing citizens and lawyers who are literally changing the world, one lawsuit at a time — a powerful antidote to hopelessness and despair.

Format: 45-60 minute keynote with Q&A if desired

This program is perfect for:

• Lawyers, law schools and legal organizations
• Environmental organizations
• Audiences focused on sustainability, politics or social change

The audience will leave with:

• An appreciation for the power of the law as an instrument for social change
• An understanding that even an unsuccessful lawsuit can be a win
• A renewed admiration for the legal system’s reliance on sound reasoning and solid evidence, as opposed to political pressure and lobbying
• Inspiring examples of small groups and dedicated individuals who are literally changing the world.