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08 October 2025
Categories: Legal News , Profession , ESG , Diversity , International
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UK firms pull ahead on responsible business

UK law firms have risen up an annual index of responsible business activity, while US firms have regressed amid President Trump’s diversity and equality crackdown

The annual Chambers and Partners’ Lamp House report analyses the websites of 150 firms across the categories of people, planet and governance. Scores for the UK top 100 rose 12% on last year, with more declarations in particular on net zero targets, parental leave policies, social mobility recruitment policies and responsible business boards.

Conversely, the US top 50 average score dropped 30%.

Lisa Hart Shepherd, chief product and innovation officer at Chambers and Partners, said: ‘While UK firms continue to make heartening progress when it comes to responsible business, political headwinds in the US appear to have had a significant effect on what US firms are prepared to disclose. That doesn’t mean the initiatives in place have disappeared overnight, but firms are rethinking and reshaping the public communication and positioning of those efforts in the light of the political risk.’

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Gibson Dunn—Richard Surtees

Gibson Dunn—Richard Surtees

Gibson Dunn adds employee benefits and executive compensation practice in London with partner Richard Surtees

Laytons ETL—Alec Cameron

Laytons ETL—Alec Cameron

Laytons ETL appoints new partner and head of intellectual property disputes

Muckle LLP—Roland Fairlamb

Muckle LLP—Roland Fairlamb

Specialist associate solicitor rejoins Muckle’s leading employment team

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