Bricker & Eckler becomes first Ohio law firm with EV charging station

A longtime leader in Ohio’s energy industry, Bricker & Eckler is the first law firm in the state to install an electric vehicle charging station on its property. While the firm is historic—and well-known for its renovation and occupancy of downtown Columbus’ iconic old post office building, a national historic landmark—Bricker is also at the forefront of the evolving energy landscape.

From oil and gas development to structuring the permits and financing of innovative energy solutions for wind and solar and beyond, Bricker attorneys have worked with both public and private entities to fulfill collaborative and strategic energy-related projects. Likewise, since 1945, the firm has participated in forward-thinking initiatives to enhance local communities. 

“At Bricker, we are proud of our historic roots. As a 74-year-old law firm in a 133-year-old-building, we have seen our cities and our local economies evolve,” said Bricker Managing Partner Jim Flynn. “We’ve also played a leading role in innovation—something that has made our firm successful and has kept it relevant over all these years.”

Especially with the launch of Smart Columbus in 2016, the city has been in overdrive to introduce citizens to smart technologies. Until mid-2020, Smart Columbus will continue to use grant money to explore and promote modes of transportation that go beyond gas-fueled cars. Bricker’s EV charging station is both in line with and supportive of Columbus’ smart transportation network goals, which include elevating EV adoption to 1.8 percent of new car sales.

According to energy attorney Dylan Borchers, “Bricker’s EV charging station is one of the many ways in which our firm is on the cutting-edge of the energy industry. We hope that our adoption of this charging station will be encouragement for others, both businesses and individuals, to become involved in clean energy initiatives. From groundbreaking microgrid technology to efficient energy generation and storage, Ohio has the opportunity to become a nationwide leader in advanced and renewable energy.”

The firm’s EV charging station, deployed by ChargePoint, will be located among several parking spaces at the rear of the building. Employees, as well as client guests, will be permitted to use the station during business hours. Outside of regular business hours and on weekends, the station will be available for public use. ChargePoint currently operates more than 64,000 charging spots globally and is leading the way in innovative solutions to meet the needs of EV drivers.

“We’re thrilled to be in the Columbus market and to have solid partners like Bricker to promote transportation electrification and help increase EV adoption in our local communities,” added ChargePoint Director of Public Policy Dave Schatz. “ChargePoint has seen numerous companies embrace EV charging on their properties, making it easier for people to experience the ease and the long-term benefits of going electric.”

The installation of Bricker & Eckler’s EV charging station is scheduled for Summer 2019 and will be operational shortly after.