Jacob H. Zoghlin, Esq.

Partner, Chair of Environmental Law Practice Group, and Chair of Municipal Law Practice Group, Underberg & Kessler LLP

Years in current role: 1

What sustainability initiative or environmental goal has your organization made the most progress on in the past year?

Underberg & Kessler focuses on building a culture of sustainability by encouraging more efficient use of resources and reducing waste. But our firm culture is just the beginning. U&K has made meaningful progress in reducing its environmental footprint through operational changes, including the expanded use of computerized filing systems, paperless legal agreements, and e-filings to reduce paper consumption. Small consistent steps like these help us model sustainability in our everyday practice and reflect our broader commitment to responsible business practices and community stewardship.

Finally, U&K supports its individual, business and municipal clients to help make their projects and operations sustainable, forward-thinking and compliant with federal, state and local environmental laws.

What gives you confidence about how Rochester businesses and institutions are addressing environmental challenges?

I’m encouraged by how many Rochester-area businesses, governments and institutions are integrating sustainability into everyday decisions, from energy efficiency and waste reduction to supporting local conservation efforts. Businesses, governments and institutions across the Rochester area are finding creative, cost-effective ways to reduce their footprint and strengthen the region’s environmental health without losing sight of economic goals. The focus on practical, measurable improvements shows a real commitment to long-term environmental responsibility, and that progress can build momentum and a culture of sustainability over time.

What area do you think needs more attention or collaboration to strengthen Rochester’s environmental future?

Rochester’s environmental future depends on strong coordination — we need to work together across sectors and institutions to protect our environment and natural resources. Whether your focus is on protecting farmland, watershed protection, or sustainable land use, collaboration between municipalities, local groups, businesses and residents can turn good planning into real, lasting impacts. Many environmental challenges we face don’t stop at town lines, so our solutions shouldn’t either. Shared data, regional planning, and good-faith, consistent implementation will make local efforts more effective.

What advice would you offer to individuals or organizations that want to start making a measurable environmental difference?

Start small, but with intention. Identify where your actions can make a measurable impact and track your progress. Meaningful progress starts with understanding your baseline and setting achievable, trackable goals, because what is tracked is known. Consider partnering with local groups or sustainability professionals to help turn your good intentions into lasting results. Build partnerships with local stakeholders to amplify impact.

You don’t have to do everything at once. Choose one issue you care about and take consistent steps toward improving it. Small, steady efforts add up when they’re part of a common goal. You don’t have to save the world all at once. But if we all “tend our own garden,” as Voltaire once said, then the world will become a better place, one step at a time.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy the natural beauty of the Rochester area?

I never get tired of how accessible nature is here. I enjoy exploring the multitude of opportunities for outdoor recreation throughout our region, from frolicking in the Finger Lakes and sampling the local viniculture, to wandering the trails and parks in and around our area. In the summer, that means kayaking, finding a hidden treasure, like a waterfall, or swimming with my kids. In the winter, it means sledding in nearby parks and teaching my kids to ski. In fact, what I really love is to share those experiences with my wife and two children, and to see them appreciate the natural beauty, opportunity and recreation that so many generations of Rochesterians and New Yorkers have enjoyed.