More than a third of Legal Sector Alliance (LSA) firms have reduced their carbon footprint over the last year, according to a report by the climate change action group.

Some 35% of the 138 firms in the alliance, including a raft of high-profile City firms, have cut their footprint in 2009, while more than half expect to do so in 2010. Of the 138 member firms, 90% said that they had already calculated their carbon footprint or planned to do so in 2010. Some 80% either currently publish this information or plan to do so in 2010.

However, an absence of historical data, the economic downturn and staff apathy were highlighted as potential barriers to climate change action.

Sir Nigel Knowles, chairman of the LSA and joint chief executive and managing partner at DLA Piper, said: ‘Climate change is now a key issue for all businesses, so joining the LSA is a no-brainer.’

Some 43% of alliance members advise clients on opportunities and obligations arising from climate change law, while 40% of alliance firms have a sustainable procurement policy in place, according to the report.

Executive LSA members include City and national firms Addleshaw Goddard, Eversheds and DLA Piper, Newcastle firm Dickinson Dees, and City firms Allen & Overy, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Herbert Smith, Linklaters, Slaughter and May and Taylor Wessing.

The LSA represents more than a quarter of private practice solicitors in England and Wales.