By GAIL North America

“[T]here are no straight lines in life or the practice of law – and the decisions we make every day have a ripple and cross-cutting effect that deserve careful thought and attention.”

Julian Harrell, Partner at Faegre Drinker

This series by GAIL North America spotlights our members across the United States and the diverse ways they are practising impact law. Through their stories, you’ll discover how lawyers are using their skills, knowledge, and creativity to drive meaningful change, whether they work in law firms, organisations, non-profits, or as independent practitioners.

Being an impact lawyer isn’t defined by a job title or by practicing impact law full-time. It’s about a commitment: using legal expertise to create positive outcomes for people and the planet. In each installment, we’ll share how members of our community are weaving this commitment into their careers, championing justice, sustainability, and equity in ways big and small.

For this article, we hear from Julian Harrell, Partner at Faegre Drinker.

Describe your area of practice

My practice bridges traditional environmental stewardship and compliance with sustainability advising, reporting, disclosure, risk management, and diligence. I also bring deep intersectionality to our clients based on my experience across sectors (food/ag, manufacturing, energy, pharma, tech, and fashion) and disciplines (transactional, regulatory, and litigation).

Please share your view on what it means to be an ‘impact lawyer’

Helping clients navigate increasingly complex and competing stakeholder demands all while striving to sustain access to key resources and outcomes (i.e., those impacting people, planet, and profits).

Why do you think it is important for lawyers to think about their work from an impact perspective? 

Because there are no straight lines in life or the practice of law – and the decisions we make every day have a ripple and cross-cutting effect that deserve careful thought and attention.

Briefly describe your journey as a lawyer and how you came to focus your practice on making a positive impact on people and planet?

I found my practice in traditional environmental compliance important but also reactive (instead of proactive) – it felt like we and our clients were a half step behind. Incorporating impact into my practice has helped me develop a deeper sense of creativity and purpose as a professional, which makes me a better lawyer – all of which elevates the outcomes we secure for our clients.

What drew you to GAIL?

Elizabeth Lange introduced me to the group. Once I learned about the community and purpose behind GAIL, I was all in.

What’s something you’re surprisingly good at that’s not on your resume? 

Making hip-hop music (I am releasing my first project this year).

Find out more about joining GAIL here.

Hear from other impact lawyers as the series continues.