The Special Report “Building the Sustainable Law Firm: Developing and Implementing an ESG Strategy” that was co-authored by our partner Sophie Boyer Chammard is out! This important publication that Sophie co-wrote with Robert van Beemen, looks at the business drivers for implementing an ESG strategy in law firms.

Increased regulation, stronger business ethics and attitudes to climate change, environmental protection, employment standards, sustainable finance, risk and governance, community engagement, corruption and human rights are evolving at an unprecedented rate. And with continued pressure from human rights organizations and socially and environmentally conscious shareholders, investors, clients and employees, there is little doubt that every law firm must have environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues at the core of its business strategy. However, the implementation of an ESG strategy should not be a box-ticking exercise; rather, it requires firm-wide commitment and involves the full integration of ESG criteria into the strategy, operations and ethos of the firm, in relation to both the firm itself and its dealings with clients.

As a result, the development of robust, long-term ESG initiatives can provide law firms with manifold benefits, including the opportunity to:

• gain competitive advantage;
• retain their license to operate;
• make cost savings due to operational improvements;
• attract, engage and retain clients and employees;
• increase value and service offerings to clients through advising them on their own sustainability transformation; and
• enter new markets.

The publication offers a practical toolkit to guide law firms on their ESG journey.

It includes practical case studies form prestigious market actors, on formulating a purpose  (Centaure Avocats), on establishing a cross practice ESG capability (Gide), on the client expectations (Martin Fischer, FASPE), on young professionals’ aspirations (Franziska Adelmann), on diversity and inclusion (Vinge), on ESG strategy formulation and implementation (VdA) and on measuring results (Oxford Analytica).

Click here to order a copy of the Special Report “Building the Sustainable Law Firm: Developing and Implementing an ESG strategy” par Sophie Boyer Chammard et Robert F. van Beemen, published by Globe Law and Business Ltd.