LEGAL ESG:

AWARDS / UK

Recognizing: Excellence / Innovation / Leadership

Nominee Submissions Are Open

LAW FIRM AWARD CATEGORIES

LAW FIRM ESG PRACTICE / CLIENT SERVICE AWARD 

This award celebrates a law firm that has excelled in delivering client services with a strong focus on ESG principles. It acknowledges the firm's efforts to incorporate ESG considerations into client advice, transactions, and litigation practices, setting a benchmark for ESG excellence in service clients of the legal profession. 

LAW FIRM ESG INTERNAL OPERATIONS AWARD 

This award recognizes the law firm with exceptional commitment to sustainable business practices. It honors the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into the firm's purpose, strategy and operations, reflecting a dedication to responsible business conduct and a sustainable approach to legal practice. 

LAW FIRM ESG SINGLE INITIATIVE AWARD 

This award is presented to the law firm that exemplifies outstanding ESG leadership in the development of and implementation of a single ESG initiative. It recognizes innovative approaches to identifying, developing and implementing a single ESG initiative which is material and core to the business strategy. 

OUTSTANDING LAW FIRM ESG LEADER AWARD 

Given the key role which law firms play in guiding and advising their clients’ ESG strategies, it is crucial that their law firms are setting the example.  It takes an ESG leader within the law firm to ensure the firm is “walking the talk” as well as advising their clients on ESG.  This award recognizes as exemplary law firm ESG Leader. 

IN-HOUSE AWARD CATEGORIES 

IN-HOUSE LEGAL DEPARTMENT ESG PROGRAM AWARD 

This award is presented to an in-house legal department or team that exemplifies outstanding ESG leadership within and throughout their organization. It recognizes innovative approaches to embedding and operationalizing ESG criteria in corporate strategies, risk management, and compliance, showcasing the pivotal role of the Legal Department in steering the corporate ESG agenda. 

IN-HOUSE LEGAL DEPARTMENT ESG SINGLE INITIATIVE AWARD 

This award is presented to an in-house legal department or team that exemplifies outstanding ESG leadership in the development of and implementation of a single ESG initiative. It recognizes innovative approaches to identifying, developing and implementing a single ESG initiative which is material and core to the business strategy, showcasing the pivotal role of the Legal Department in steering the corporate ESG agenda. 

OUTSTANDING IN-HOUSE ESG LEADER AWARD 

Given the key role which legal department’s play in corporate ESG strategy and implementation, true ESG leaders must rise to the occasion. This award recognizes exemplary legal department ESG leadership - as key to department as well as company-wide ESG success. 

PARTNERSHIP / COLLABORATION CATEGORIES 

LAW FIRM / CLIENT ESG COLLABORATION AWARD 

This award will go to those who can demonstrate meaningful and material collaboration between law firms and their client(s) toward a more sustainable, just and equitable society.  Together, we can accomplish greater success. 

OVERALL AWARD CATEGORIES 

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 

This prestigious award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to ESG principles within the legal profession. It celebrates their enduring impact, leadership, and mentorship, reflecting a career that fosters ethical, social, and environmental responsibility in law. 

PROFESSOR PAUL WATCHMAN / YOUNG LAWYER OF THE YEAR AWARD 

Named in honor of Professor Paul Watchman, this award celebrates a young lawyer* who embodies his passion for ESG law and the development of future legal leaders. In collaboration with his daughter Carla Parsons, Senior Associate at Mills & Reeve, this award recognizes a young legal professional who shows exceptional promise in driving ESG initiatives and shaping the future of responsible legal practice. 

TIMELINE

18 FEBRUARY

NOMINEE SUBMISSION OPENS

The submission process opens on 18th February

SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATIONS

18 APRIL

NOMINEE SUBMISSION DEADLINE

All submissions must be completed no later than 18th April

29 APRIL

FIRST ROUND JUDGING

Our esteemed Judges will review and assess each submission through April and May based on the award criteria and announce the finalists of each award category on 29th April

01 MAY

FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

Our esteemed Judges will review and assess each submission through April and May based on the award criteria and announce the finalists of each award category on 1st May.

16 May

SECOND ROUND JUDGING

With our finalists set, our judging panels will review, score, and determine this year's recipients. 

9 July

AWARDS DINNER 

The award recipients of each category will be announced on 19th June at the Legal ESG: Awards / UK. The dinner you will hear from the recipients, judges and guest speakers, network with your peers, and celebrate and recognize outstanding contributions to ESG.