(Birmingham, AL/June 29, 2009) Stephen K. Pudner of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC, has been confirmed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional. The LEED Professional Accreditation indicates that a person has the knowledge and skills to facilitate the integrated design process and streamline the LEED certification process. The LEED certification process provides independent, third-party verification that a building project meets green building and performance measures by the USGBC. Nationally, fewer than 300 attorneys are LEED AP accredited.
A graduate of the University of Alabama School of Law, Mr. Pudner is an associate in the Firm's Birmingham office, where he concentrates his practice in construction litigation. Before law school, Mr. Pudner earned a B.A. in Economics and International Relations from the University of Virginia. According to the USGBC's online directory, Mr. Pudner is one of only three Alabama attorneys who are LEED AP accredited. Another Baker Donelson attorney, Kevin R. Garrison, earned his LEED AP accreditation earlier this year.
"As a LEED Accredited Professional, Stephen joins a select group of attorneys who can offer clients advice and counsel based on a thorough understanding of the green building practices and principles of the LEED Rating System," said Edward P. Meyerson, shareholder in Baker Donelson's Birmingham office and leader of the Firm's Construction practice group. "We are extremely proud that two of the three Alabama attorneys with this accreditation are members of Baker Donelson's Construction group."