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21 March 2025
Issue: 8109 / Categories: Legal News , ESG
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NLJ this week: ESG risks

211938
This week’s NLJ boasts a double helping of ESG (environmental, social and governance)

In the first article, Paul Henty, partner, Beale & Co, looks at CBAM, the carbon border adjustment mechanism, ‘proposed legislation from the EU and UK, which—in the name of combatting climate change—will effectively impose tariffs on certain targeted, imported goods’.

Businesses need to prepare for this now and ensure their systems can adapt. Henty also highlights possible disruption ahead, in the shape of a potential backlash from the US. He writes: ‘Given the importance of strategically significant industries—such as steel from Pennsylvania and aluminium exports—CBAM could be interpreted as a direct challenge to US competitiveness. The risk of trade disputes, tariffs or even diplomatic escalation cannot be ignored.’

Next, Richard Reichman, partner, BCL Solicitors, looks at the overlap between the failure to prevent fraud offence and ESG failings. Greenwashing (overstating environmental claims) is one example of the risks. Reichman writes that, given the public appetite for corporate accountability, ‘the risk areas will almost certainly continue to grow’.

 

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Ward Hadaway—Nicola Williams

Ward Hadaway—Nicola Williams

Specialist tax expertise expands with partner appointment

Howard Kennedy—Caroline Urban

Howard Kennedy—Caroline Urban

Firm strengthens corporate and capital raising specialism with partner hire

Payne Hicks Beach—Lucas Moore

Payne Hicks Beach—Lucas Moore

Commercial disputes partner succeeds Robert Brodrick as chair of management board

NEWS
Global mobility is transforming family law, creating new challenges around jurisdiction, assets and child arrangements
The civil justice landscape could be heading for a shake-up, with reform of the Solicitors Act 1974 gathering pace
Employers are being urged to prepare now for far-reaching employment law changes taking effect in January 2027
As family structures evolve, the law may face difficult questions about inheritance rights for those in polyamorous relationships
A series of procedural developments could have significant practical consequences for litigators. Writing in NLJ this week, columnist Stephen Gold highlights important updates ranging from digital court reforms to family procedure and admissions of liability
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