In-house joins the Greener Litigation revolution

Corporate counsel signing up to the initiative will expect law firms they work with to make a similar commitment.

Greener Litigation―a collective of professionals in the legal sector actively committed to reducing the environmental impact of dispute resolution and litigation conducted in the courts of England and Wales―launched last year. However, Vodafone together with Mishcon de Reya, which chairs Greener Litigation, have now created the Greener Litigation Associate Member Pledge, which gives corporates, brands and other organisations an opportunity to commit to achieving net zero in their in-house legal departments.

The pledge commits each member organisation to taking steps to reduce the environmental impact of its business, minimise the environmental impact of litigation and request ‘any litigation professionals we engage to do the same’.

Andrew Yorston, UK Legal Director, Vodafone, said: ‘We will reach net zero UK operations by 2027 and our business and network is powered by 100% renewable electricity.

‘By becoming the Founding Associate Member of Greener Litigation, we hope we send a strong signal to the market of the active role leading corporates expect their legal advisors to take in driving the transition towards a decarbonised economy.’

Alexander Rhodes, Mishcon de Reya partner and head of Mishcon Purpose, said: ‘A year ago we invited law firms, chambers and other litigation professionals to join us in signing the Greener Litigation Pledge. 

‘Already, international membership has grown to over 70 members. This commitment is to take active steps to reduce the environmental impact and emissions of litigation in line with the objective of restricting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. We welcome Vodafone and join hands with them in inviting others to join the Greener Litigation Pledge.’