ESG & Corporate Responsibility
Responsible Practice, Commercial Focus
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations are now central to how value is created, perceived and protected. We recognise that our role as advisers extends beyond individual mandates to the broader impact of how disputes are run, deals are structured and clients are represented.
Our ESG and corporate responsibility approach is practical and business-aligned: helping clients manage legal risk in ways that are consistent with their sustainability commitments, stakeholder expectations and regulatory obligations.
How We Integrate ESG into Our Work
We incorporate ESG awareness into our advice by:
- Stress-testing litigation, enforcement and restructuring strategies against reputational and stakeholder risk
- Advising on governance structures, policies and controls relevant to ESG reporting and oversight
- Considering the impact of legal options on employees, counterparties, communities and long-term enterprise value
Where appropriate, we work alongside specialist ESG consultants, forensic teams and PR advisers to deliver coordinated solutions for our clients.
Our Corporate Responsibility Priorities
Internally, our corporate responsibility framework focuses on:
• Governance – maintaining high professional, ethical and compliance standards
• People – investing in training, mentoring and career progression at all levels
• Diversity and inclusion – supporting a diverse pipeline of talent across the firm and profession
• Community and pro bono – dedicating time and resource to matters with social or community impact
• Environment – reducing the environmental footprint of our operations, including responsible travel and document-management practices
ESG Support for Clients
We support corporate and private clients with:
- ESG-related disputes and regulatory investigations
- Governance and policy frameworks around whistleblowing, conduct and internal investigations
- Contract drafting and risk allocation in long-term or high-impact projects
- Training for boards and senior management on legal risks arising from ESG commitments
Charitable Involvement and Community Impact
Our approach to charity and community engagement is grounded in the same principles that guide our client work: focus, discipline and measurable impact. Rather than spreading resource thinly, we prioritise sustained partnerships with organisations whose work aligns with our values – access to justice, education, social mobility and community resilience.
Strategic Partnerships, Not One-Off Donations
We favour long-term relationships over isolated initiatives. Our charitable involvement is organised around:
• Multi-year partnerships with selected charities and NGOs, allowing us to contribute skills, time and funding in a structured way.
• Pro bono legal support on governance, contracts, disputes and regulatory issues for qualifying organisations.
• Joint projects with clients, enabling aligned corporate giving and shared community impact where appropriate.
Pro Bono and Access to Justice
As a law firm, our most valuable charitable asset is our legal expertise. We therefore:
• Undertake pro bono work in matters with clear public interest or community benefit.
• Support early-stage charities and social enterprises on governance, risk and contractual frameworks.
• Participate in legal clinics and mentoring schemes aimed at improving access to justice and the profession.
Staff Engagement and Matched Giving
We encourage our people to support causes that matter to them, within a clear governance framework. This includes:
• Allocated volunteering time for staff to work with approved partner organisations.
• Matched funding for eligible individual fundraising initiatives, up to defined limits.
• Internal campaigns to support emergency appeals or targeted community projects.
Measuring Impact
We treat charitable involvement as part of our broader ESG reporting. On a periodic basis we:
• Review the outcomes of our partnerships, focusing on tangible benefits delivered to beneficiaries.
• Assess the balance of financial support, pro bono hours and volunteering activity.
• Report internally to the partnership on performance against our community and pro bono objectives.
Working with Clients on Community Initiatives
Where clients wish to collaborate, we can:
• Co-design community or pro bono projects aligned to shared ESG priorities.
• Provide legal support to client-backed charitable foundations, trusts or social-impact vehicles.
• Offer joint training, clinics or mentoring initiatives in sectors or communities of mutual focus.
For further information on our charitable partnerships, or to discuss a potential joint initiative, clients can contact the partner responsible for ESG and Corporate Responsibility or our Client Services Director.
Work With Us
To discuss how our approach to ESG and corporate responsibility can support your business or family office:Arrange a confidential discussion with a partner or practice head
Request our ESG and Corporate Responsibility Overview for institutional clients