Announcing our Finalists | Legal ESG Awards 2025

May 21, 2025

AUTHOR Inside Practice

The Legal ESG Awards UK highlight the significant influence of legal experts in creating a responsible business landscape and challenge the profession to innovate and lead in integrating ESG principles.


The winners will be announced at Legal ESG London on 8 July 2025


Join us in celebrating our finalists:


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 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 Single ESG 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.


Law Firm ESG Employee Engagement Award

This award recognized the greater impact achieved through engaging the firm's employees in ESG initiatives and programs.


Law Firm ESG Client 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.



Law Firm Outstanding 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. 



Paul Watchman Young Lawyer of The Year Award

Named in honour 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. 

  • Ming Zee, A&O Sherman
  • Christina Chambers, Mishcon de Reya, Purpose Team


Stay up to date with our winner announcements on our LinkedIn. Best of luck to all our finalists!


For more information: Legal ESG Awards  // Legal ESG London


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