Legal ESG London

08 & 09 JULY 2025

Legal ESG: London

Returning for its third year, Legal ESG: London is a two-day event where legal professionals unite to confront ESG challenges head-on.


Confirm your place by 9th May and save £400



Risk / Responsibility / Resilience / Recognition:

Rethinking ESG Across Today's Legal Profession

The legal profession faces a pivotal moment as geopolitical shifts and evolving ESG priorities reshape the global business landscape.


From rising nationalism and protectionist trade policies to the growing politicization of ESG, today's geopolitical climate is transforming how businesses operate—and how lawyers advise. It is now imperative for law firms and their clients to proactively navigate an environment marked by regulatory divergence, political volatility, economic uncertainty, and shifting stakeholder demands. By staying ahead of legal developments, understanding investor and public expectations, leveraging emerging technologies, and identifying strategic opportunities amid uncertainty, legal professionals must lead—not follow—in shaping the future. Lawyers have the agency, and must act with urgency.


Hosted by Addleshaw Goddard, the 3rd Annual Legal ESG: London, scheduled for 8–9 July 2025, offers a platform to address these challenges head-on. This year’s focus is on the dual imperative of ESG client advisory and operational integration. 


ESG has evolved from a corporate responsibility issue into a strategic necessity, intersecting with law, politics, and business strategy in unprecedented ways. Lawyers now play a critical role in driving sustainable, resilient, and ethical business practices—both for their clients and within their own firms. Yet, they must do so in the face of increasing political resistance, fragmented regulation, and escalating stakeholder scrutiny.

We, the legal profession, face a defining moment as geopolitical disruptions and ESG realignments challenge traditional business models. The regulatory landscape is evolving rapidly and unevenly: international cooperation on sustainability standards is faltering, while national and sub-national jurisdictions race ahead—or pull back.


Investor expectations are intensifying, litigation risks are mounting, and the political landscape is increasingly polarized. ESG is no longer a niche practice area—it is a core strategic function that permeates every facet of legal advisory and law firm operations.


The transformation is twofold:


  1. Externally, law firms must help clients navigate an increasingly fragmented and politicized ESG landscape—ensuring regulatory compliance, managing litigation risk, and embedding sustainability into governance models that can adapt to political and market fluctuations.
  2. Internally, firms must lead by example—operationalizing ESG within their own business strategies, from supply chain decisions and workplace policies to board-level governance and accountability frameworks.


In this evolving context, legal professionals are no longer just legal technicians. They must be ESG strategists, geopolitical analysts, and trusted business partners—crafting resilient solutions, anticipating cross-border risks, and aligning legal frameworks with long-term value creation.


Confirm   your place by 4th April and save £500

Agenda Highlights

  • ESG Engagement
  • Supply Chain Engagement: Clients’ Expectations of Service Providers / Engaging the Firm’s Own Suppliers
  • Case Study: Client–Law Firm Collaboration on Sustainability
  • The Path to Net Zero: How Are Law Firms Making Progress?
  • ESG and DEI: Strategies for Communications and Commitment
  • Health and Wellbeing in the Legal Profession 
  • Responsible Business Leaders: Sharing Best Practices and Next Steps

Early Bird Registration:

Confirm your place at Legal ESG: London by 9th May and save $400

WHAT TO EXPECT

Key Highlights

The Changing Landscape of ESG Regulation & Compliance Demands 

Learn how firms are advising clients across borders, ensuring global ESG disclosures are meet while remaining flexible in the face of political change and shifting enforcement priorities. 

Politicization of ESG, DEI, and Workforce Strategy 

Discover how internally, firms are committing to workforce sustainability, especially as expectations evolve and top legal talent seeks alignment between values and workplace practices. 

Rising ESG Litigation Risks 

Prioritizing preemptive risk management, ensuring sustainability commitments are legally defensible, disclosures are data-backed and auditable, and clients are protected.

From ESG Pledges to Measurable Impact 

How to demonstrate tangible leadership in emissions reduction, DEI performance, supply chain resilience, and ethical governance. 

ESG Technology, AI, and Data Governance 

Why legal professionals must stay ahead of rapidly evolving AI governance frameworks, ensuring that tech-enabled ESG strategies are lawful, ethical, and trustworthy. 

Compliance Obligations into Strategic Differentiation

As ESG evolves see how leading firms are evolving  with it, and thriving in this transformation.

Leadership in a Sustainable, Ethical, and Geopolitically Aware Future. 

Discover why the question is no longer whether ESG matters—but rather, it is how legal professionals will lead

SUPPORTING PARTNERS

SPEAKING FACULTY

Agenda

DAY 1:  ESG Client Advisory / DAY 2:  In Practice


If you are interested in collaborating with us on this program or one of our upcoming Inside Practice programs, let us know, complete our:

2025 Invitation to Collaborate

DAY 1 / 8th JULY / 2025 

8:00AM – 9:00 AM GMT

Registration / Breakfast 

9:00AM – 9:15AM GMT

Chairperson's Opening Remarks

CHAIRPERSON


David Alfrey

Partner

Addleshaw Goddard 

8:30AM-9:15 GMT / KEYNOTE 

Trump 2.0 and its Global Implications

OVERVIEW

Bennett Freeman will offer his insights on the potential global impact of a second Trump administration. 

SPEAKER


Bennett Freeman

Principal

Bennett Freeman Associates LLC

9:15AM-10:15am GMT / Panel Discussion 

The General Counsel’s Role in ESG Amid Global Uncertainty

OVERVIEW

In today’s rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape, General Counsels are facing heightened expectations to guide their organizations through complex ESG challenges. This panel brings together senior legal leaders to discuss how current global tensions, evolving regulations, and stakeholder demands are reshaping the GC’s role. From navigating supply chain risks and sanctions to aligning corporate strategy with sustainability and governance goals, our panelists will explore how in-house counsel are balancing legal risk, ethical leadership, and long-term ESG commitments in an era of global uncertainty.

MODERATOR


David Alfrey

Partner

Addleshaw Goddard 


PANEL


TBA

10:15AM-10:45AM GMT

Networking AM Coffee Break

10:45AM–12:45PM GMT / Lightening Sessions

ESG HOT TOPICS

ESG Considerations in International M&A 
Cross-border M&A deals increasingly hinge on ESG risks and opportunities. Christopher Mesnooh will discuss how ESG factors are shaping due diligence, deal structures, and regulatory compliance in global transactions. 


SPEAKER:

Christopher Mesnooh

Partner

Fieldfisher 


Climate Catastrophes – Who Pays? 
As climate-related disasters escalate, so do legal questions around responsibility and compensation. Wynn Lawrence will unpack the evolving litigation landscape, insurance implications, and the role of ESG in assigning liability. 


SPEAKER:

Wynn Lawrence

Partner

Clyde & Co 

 

ESG in Supply Chain Agreements 
Supply chains are under growing scrutiny from regulators, investors, and consumers. Alexandra Holsgrove-Jones will explore how ESG obligations are being embedded into commercial contracts and what that means for risk management and compliance. 


SPEAKER:

Alexandra Holsgrove-Jones

Partner

TLT

12:45PM – 1:45PM GMT

Networking Lunch

1:45PM – 3:15PM GMT / Lightening Sessions

ESG HOT TOPICS

The EU Omnibus Legislation: What Does It Really Mean? 
This session will demystify the EU Omnibus Directive and its implications for businesses operating across the European Union. Lucia Williams will break down the key provisions, compliance expectations, and potential legal risks stemming from this evolving regulatory landscape. 


SPEAKER:

Lucia Williams

Partner

Clyde & Co 


UK Regulatory Update: Modern Slavery & the Dyson Case
From modern slavery legislation to high-profile cases like Dyson, UK regulatory enforcement is evolving fast. Robert Kovacs will provide a timely update on legal developments, examining what they signal for corporate accountability, supply chain scrutiny, and risk exposure.


SPEAKER:

Robert Kovacs

Partner

WithersWorldwide 



Green Claims Update 
With regulators cracking down on misleading environmental claims, companies face increasing scrutiny over how they market sustainability. Galina Usorova will provide an overview of recent enforcement trends and guidance on navigating greenwashing risks in branding and advertising. 


SPEAKER:

Galina Usorova

Partner

Stephenson Harwood 

4:00PM – 4:15PM GMT

Networking PM Coffee Break

4:15 – 5:15PM GMT / Panel Discussion

The Rule of Law and the Role of the Profession – Where Do We Go from Here?

OVERVIEW

In a time of growing geopolitical tension and democratic backsliding, the legal profession faces renewed questions about its responsibility to uphold the rule of law. This session will explore how lawyers, firms, and institutions can navigate ethical challenges, defend fundamental rights, and help shape a more just and resilient legal order.

SPEAKERS



David Alfrey 

Partner

Addleshaw Goddard


Bennett Freeman

Principal

Bennett Freeman Associates LLC


Pamela Cone

CEO

Amity Advisory

5:15PM – 5:30PM

Chairperson’s Closing Remarks

5:30PM – 7:30PM

Drinks / Networking Reception / Legal ESG Awards

DAY 2 / 9th JULY / 2025 

8:00AM – 9:00 AM GMT

Registration / Breakfast 

8:15AM-8:30AM  GMT

Chairperson's Opening Remarks

CHAIRPERSON


Mary Peterson

Partner

Addleshaw Goddard 

8:30AM-9:15 GMT / KEYNOTE 

ESG engagement

OVERVIEW

Gihan Hyde is the founder of Communique – helping clients integrate, verify, stress-test and communicate all aspects related to their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy and story, so that they attract the right talent, customers and investors for their business. 


Gihan is a passionate communicator and an expert in mindset change behaviour. She will speak to us about ESG engagement, the importance of Scope 3, and how her team provides internships and opportunities for those from underrepresented communities. 

SPEAKER


Gihan Hyde

Founder

Communique 

9:15AM-10:15am GMT / Panel Discussion 

Supply Chain Engagement:

Clients’ Expectations of Service Providers / Engaging the Firm’s Own Suppliers

OVERVIEW

As ESG scrutiny intensifies, clients increasingly expect their legal and professional service providers to demonstrate ethical supply chain practices. This session will explore how firms are responding—not only by meeting client expectations but also by applying ESG standards to their own suppliers. Learn how proactive engagement can drive value, mitigate risk, and align with broader sustainability goals.

MODERATOR


Alexandra Holsgrove-Jones

Partner

TLT


PANEL


Max Finney

Partner

Shoosmiths 


Victor Riega

Partner

Rathbones Group PLC

10:15AM-10:45AM GMT

Networking AM Coffee Break

10:45AM–12:45PM GMT / Case Study

Client–Law Firm Collaboration on Sustainability

OVERVIEW

This session highlights a real-world example of how a client and their law firm partnered to advance shared sustainability goals. From strategy to implementation, the case study will illustrate practical steps, key learnings, and the mutual value created through effective ESG collaboration. 

SPEAKERS:



Peter Cox

Partner

QBE


Kate Hursthouse

Partner

Kennedys  

1:45PM – 3:15PM GMT / Panel Discussion

The Path to Net Zero:

How Are Law Firms Making Progress?

OVERVIEW

Law firms are increasingly committing to net zero targets, but how are they turning ambition into action? This session will explore the strategies, challenges, and innovations shaping the legal sector’s journey toward carbon neutrality—covering everything from emissions tracking and operational changes to client engagement and industry collaboration. The Path to Net Zero – How are law firms making progress? 

SPEAKERS


Alisdair Cameron

Partner

Law Society 


Kate Ferguson

Partner

Irwin Mitchell


Aragon St Charles

Partner

Dentons  


Paddy Linnighan

CSO

Clyde & Co 

12:45PM – 1:45PM GMT

Networking Lunch

4:15 – 5:15PM GMT / Panel Discussion

ESG and DEI:

Strategies for Communications and Commitment

OVERVIEW

In today's complex landscape, effectively communicating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) commitments is crucial. This session will explore best practices for articulating these initiatives, ensuring transparency, and fostering stakeholder trust. Attendees will gain insights into developing authentic strategies that resonate with clients, employees, and the broader community.

SPEAKERS


Deborah Sobel

CEO

Verity London  

4:15 – 5:15PM GMT / Panel Discussion

Health and Wellbeing in the Legal Profession

OVERVIEW

The legal profession is demanding—and the toll on mental health and overall wellbeing is real. This session will explore the challenges facing legal professionals and the strategies firms are adopting to foster healthier, more supportive workplaces. From burnout prevention to building a culture of care, discover what’s working and why it matters. 

SPEAKER


Jennifer Dyson-Batliwalla

Global Well-Being

Kennedys 

4:00PM – 4:15PM GMT

Networking PM Coffee Break

4:15 – 5:15PM GMT / Panel Discussion

Panel of Law Firm CSOs / Responsible Business Leaders:

Sharing Best Practices and Next Steps

OVERVIEW

This session will feature Chief Sustainability Officers and responsible business leaders from top firms as they share practical insights, successes, and challenges in advancing ESG agendas. This session will spotlight innovative initiatives, lessons learned, and the evolving role of law firms in driving sustainable and ethical business practices—while exploring what’s next on the journey.

SPEAKERS


Max Finney

Partner

Shoosmiths 


Kate Hursthouse

Partner

Kennedys 


Aragon St Charles

Partner

Dentons 


Paddy Linighan

Partner

Clyde & Co

LSN/LSA/Legal Charter 1.5, etc. 

5:15PM – 5:30PM

Chairperson’s Closing Remarks

5:30PM – 7:30PM

Drinks / Networking Reception

Registration

Confirm your place at: Legal ESG: London

By 9th May and save £400


Please note there are multiple registration options for Legal ESG London:

Day 1: 

ESG Advisory


£995


(£795 through 09/05/25)

Day 2: 

In

Practice


£995


(£795 through 09/05/25)

Day 1 & 2: Advisory & Practice


£1,795


(£1,395 through 09/05/25)

Team Rates

Please note: Group/Team, Student/Academic, vendor and consultant rates available on request

Contact

Have questions or need assistance with the registration process please contact us: contact@insidepractice.com

LEGAL ESG:

AWARDS / UK

Recognizing: Excellence / Innovation / Leadership

Nominee Submissions Are Open

OVERVIEW


In an era where Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations have become integral to the global legal landscape, the Legal ESG: Awards / UK continues to set the benchmark for excellence in the profession. These awards stand as a powerful testament to the transformative role of law in driving sustainable and ethical business practices.


Against the backdrop of an increasingly complex world, where legal professionals are at the forefront of addressing critical ESG challenges, the Legal ESG: Awards / UK celebrates outstanding achievements across a comprehensive range of categories.

  • LAW FIRM CATEGORIES

    +  Law Firm ESG Practice / Client Service

  • IN-HOUSE CATEGORIES

    + In-house Legal Department ESG Program

  • PARTNERSHIP / COLLABORATION CATEGORIES

    + Law Firm / Client ESG Collaboration Award

  • OVERALL AWARD CATEGORIES

    + Paul Watchman: Young Lawyer of the Year Award

Recipients of the Legal ESG: Awards / UK 2024

Contact Us

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Need More Information?


For more information: contact@insidepractice.com

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