Making an ESG lawyer – law firms search for the magic formula

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Making an ESG lawyer – law firms search for the magic formula

‘I don’t believe there is such a thing as an ESG lawyer’ – the words of one environmental, social and governance (ESG) practice head in an interview for this month’s lead feature aptly sums up one of the key challenges for firms trying to establish themselves at the top of this much-hyped market.

That individual is not alone in this view; it has also been a repeated refrain in the research interviews for the Legal 500’s first UK ESG rankings, which will be published later this year. And it’s not a stretch to see why this opinion persists, given the myriad practice areas that fall under the ESG umbrella – from greenwashing disputes to sustainable finance, and regulatory matters to ESG transactions; not to mention the traditional environment and governance work that make up two letters of the acronym. Continue reading “Making an ESG lawyer – law firms search for the magic formula”

Understanding the EU Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence: A comprehensive guide

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Understanding the EU Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence: A comprehensive guide

The European Union has taken a significant step towards promoting sustainable and responsible business practices with the adoption of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). Approved on 24 April 2024, this directive mandates large companies operating within the EU to integrate human rights and environmental due diligence into their operations and value chains. This article delves into the key aspects of the CSDDD, its implications for businesses, and the expected outcomes for various stakeholders. Continue reading “Understanding the EU Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence: A comprehensive guide”

Conformity assessments under the EU AI Act: Ensuring compliance, safety, and trust in artificial intelligence

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Conformity assessments under the EU AI Act: Ensuring compliance, safety, and trust in artificial intelligence

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has ushered in an era of unprecedented technological advancements, transforming various sectors by enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making capabilities. However, the proliferation of AI technologies also brings forth significant challenges, particularly concerning safety, fairness, transparency, and accountability. In response to these challenges, the European Union (EU) has proposed and the European Parliament has formally adapted the EU AI Act, a comprehensive regulatory framework aimed at fostering innovation while ensuring the safe and ethical deployment of AI systems. A central element of this framework is the requirement for conformity assessments, particularly for high-risk AI systems. This article explores the intricacies of conformity assessments as mandated by the EU AI Act, detailing their purpose, processes, and implications for AI developers and users.

Continue reading “Conformity assessments under the EU AI Act: Ensuring compliance, safety, and trust in artificial intelligence”

The path to net zero: the legal sector’s blueprint for climate leadership and competitive advantage

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The path to net zero: the legal sector’s blueprint for climate leadership and competitive advantage

With a wave of environmental disclosure legislation on the horizon – CSRD, SECR, and many more – legal firms are filling a new niche: advising clients and organisations with sustainability compliance, greenwashing-proof marketing, and financial communications with new emissions line items. And more than ever, legal firms are recognising the need to implement their own carbon reporting and to build meaningful reduction plans.

This article will explore the main drivers and benefits of carbon emissions reduction in the legal sector, as well as the challenges organisations face and a path forward. Continue reading “The path to net zero: the legal sector’s blueprint for climate leadership and competitive advantage”

‘We’re all talking about it, but what’s going to happen?’ Why this year’s LIDW is promising in-house lawyers answers around greenwashing, AI, and group litigation

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‘We’re all talking about it, but what’s going to happen?’ Why this year’s LIDW is promising in-house lawyers answers around greenwashing, AI, and group litigation

The chairs of next week’s London International Disputes Week (LIDW) are urging in-house lawyers to attend the event to learn about all the latest litigation risks.

Continue reading “‘We’re all talking about it, but what’s going to happen?’ Why this year’s LIDW is promising in-house lawyers answers around greenwashing, AI, and group litigation”

‘If Zoom is doing it, everybody probably needs to be’: Growing number of US law firms mandate four-days-in-office week

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‘If Zoom is doing it, everybody probably needs to be’: Growing number of US law firms mandate four-days-in-office week

Lawyers adhering to a minimum of four days in the  office a week policy  is gaining traction among US firms, with Vinson & Elkins now joining the trend, while UK firms appear less inclined to follow suit just yet.

Vinson & Elkins announced on 9 August that it will adopt a four-day in-office schedule from 11 September, allowing the choice of remote work on either Monday or Friday, marking a change from their previous three-day hybrid policy introduced in March last year. Continue reading “‘If Zoom is doing it, everybody probably needs to be’: Growing number of US law firms mandate four-days-in-office week”

‘Carveouts are here to stay’: green energy deals dominate as major players see signs of a bounceback

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‘Carveouts are here to stay’: green energy deals dominate as major players see signs of a bounceback

Early 2023 has been a tough time for deals. In our 2023 Deals Yearbook, for instance, citing Dealogic, we noted a decline in both the volume and value of deals. Q1 2023 saw just 601 deals totalling $19.6bn in the UK, while globally there were 9,400 deals worth a little under $591bn. This marks the lowest UK Q1 since 2009, and the lowest global Q1 since 2012.

Recent weeks, though, have seen an uptick in multibillion-dollar activity. And, while it is certainly too early to declare that we are out of the woods, the mood among corporate lawyers has lifted: more ‘cautious optimism’ than ‘doom and gloom’. Continue reading “‘Carveouts are here to stay’: green energy deals dominate as major players see signs of a bounceback”

The Last Word: On message

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The Last Word: On message

‘I’m of the view that there’s no such thing as an ESG lawyer. What we can do, by educating the trainees as they come in, is help them to understand ESG, so that it can permeate their practices throughout their careers.’ Rachel Richardson, Macfarlanes

On the back of our third annual ESG report, key decision makers share their perspectives on key issues affecting law firms

Continue reading “The Last Word: On message”