Saving the world is no small feat. And standing up for nature is a stand taken on behalf of generations to come. So when Chris Byrd and the team at the Byrd Law Group sent us their #Clioday video, we knew we had to talk to them right away.
Chris is a true Floridian, born and raised in the state and very proud of its natural heritage. Maybe you think of beaches, oranges, retirees and giant theme parks when the Sunshine State comes to mind, but for Chris, Florida is so much more than that. “I grew up surrounded by Florida’s beauty and wilderness–the aquifers, the forests, the wildlife–they were all part of my upbringing here,” says Chris. “But the state’s rapid growth is putting that at risk and development in encroaching on natural areas that need to be preserved and protected.”
Chris primarily practices in the public interest on environmental and land use matters, representing both the people and the resources of the State of Florida. Chris is able to do this because the state actually has a public trust doctrine in the state constitution that states that public lands and natural resources shall be held in trust for the benefit of the people of Florida.
Chris used to work for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection where he served as a lawyer for close to five years. But in 2013, he left government to set up shop as a small firm focused on helping to defend and protect Florida’s environment, natural resources and wilderness spaces. And one of the first things he did was sign up for a Clio account. “I used Clio the first day I opened my practice,” adds Chris. “Clio has helped to streamline the entire billing and data management side of private practice. It has also helped me seamlessly move into starting a practice, by building a database, consolidating my contacts and defining an identity that is pleasing, clear and concise for my clients. It’s exactly what I want my practice to be.”
Indeed, saving time is a big part of what Clio does to help law firms like the Byrd Law Group. We do that so they can focus on finding ways to save and protect the environment. Their #Clioday video explains it all.
Wondering what Wakiva Springs is? Chris described it as a little known natural wonder with fresh water aquifers, wildlife and greenery offering Floridians a repose from the daily grind of life. But it is at risk of development. Chris and the Byrd Law Group are doing their part to see that doesn’t happen.
Certainly, the manatees that live in those waters would applaud the team…if they could. So we’ll do it on the manatees’ behalf. Our team at Clio was touched by the Byrd Law Group’s efforts and made a $250 donation in their name to Save the Manatee Club. Lawyers who use Clio can save up to 8 hours a week, but thanks to the Byrd Law Group and their #Clioday video, we went a bit further and helped save 10 manatees this week. It’s just one small click for a manatee, but we hope it and the Byrd Law Group go a long way.
Posted to the Clio blog in April 2014 as part of the company’s Clioday campaign.
Tim Travis 