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The (green) heart of ESG

31 May 2024 / Matthew Kay , Mike Harvey
Issue: 8073 / Categories: Features , Profession , Environment , Company
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As engagement with the ESG agenda moves from a nice-to-have to a must-have, Matthew Kay & Mike Harvey consider the role of legal teams

The ESG agenda presents an opportunity in many ways for legal teams to further ingratiate themselves into the business and play a strategic role. But it can be difficult to adopt an opportunity outlook from a risk outlook, and there is no denying that an increased focus on all the issues which fall under the ‘ESG’ (environmental, social and governance) banner add to a lawyers’ already busy to-do list. For example, in 2022, a survey from EY revealed that 99% of general counsels (GCs) expected environmental and social concerns to add to their workload. The vast majority—95%—also reported that reconciling the balance between financial and sustainability goals presented a challenge (‘The general counsel imperative: how the law department is key in unlocking your sustainability strategy’, EY, 6 April 2022).

Ever-evolving global regulation regarding ESG alone can keep lawyers busy, never mind the increased focus on

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

DWF—19 appointments

DWF—19 appointments

Belfast team bolstered by three senior hires and 16 further appointments

Cadwalader—Andro Atlaga

Cadwalader—Andro Atlaga

Firm strengthens leveraged finance team with London partner hire

Knights—Ella Dodgson & Rebecca Laffan

Knights—Ella Dodgson & Rebecca Laffan

Double hire marks launch of family team in Leeds

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