Member Article

Ethical law firm Tree Law celebrates first anniversary

Founder Sarah Dodd talks about values, ethics and authenticity in delivering a carbon neutral legal service that helps preserve the UK’s trees

Expert lawyer Sarah Dodd is celebrating the first anniversary of her firm, Tree Law, which she uniquely established to deliver a legal service that follows a green agenda. The business was launched to support tree preservation and net zero projects, both large and small, while also committing to donate 10% of client fees to environmental charities.

Sarah advises on civil claims relating to trees, including tree damage claims, preservation orders, overhanging branches and tree root subsidence claims. From day one, Sarah’s caseload has reflected her principles, and she is proud to have established a firm that puts values and authenticity first, while acting on behalf of the planet as well as her clients:

“I recall early in the Tree Law journey, a property developer asked me to help remove an oak tree from a site; this goes completely against my ethics and no matter how much my fledgling business needed the work, I declined. Turning them down was a landmark moment,” Sarah reveals.

“I’d spent 20 years in corporate law, saying yes to every client, and in that world your values can slowly start to erode. But suddenly here I was with my own legal practice, choosing my work on principle - and I have to admit, saying no was a liberating moment!”

A Year of Growth: Since launching, Sarah has built a steady client base from individuals to insurers and public sector organisations, including working with various local authorities. Sarah has also become Chair of the industry Subsidence Forum, won the Start-up Rising Star Award and hosts live Tree Law TV podcasts and social media interviews that provide clients with valuable insights relating to dealing with legal claims whilst preserving the UK’s trees.

Concludes Sarah, “We’re a small law firm that takes great pride in supporting organisations with expert legal counsel, yet as a carbon-neutral practice we also give back to the world. Like everyone who shares the planet, while we can only do so much, we all have a vital role to play.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tree Law .