Legal ESG:

London

08 & 09 July 2025     |        London, UK      |       08:00am - 07:00pm

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

Risk / Responsibility / Resilience / Recognition

Rethinking ESG Across Today's Legal Profession

The legal profession is at a critical juncture, as geopolitical tensions and evolving ESG priorities reshape global business. Law firms must urgently navigate challenges such as rising nationalism, protectionist trade policies, fragmented regulations, and intensifying stakeholder scrutiny.

The 3rd Annual Legal ESG: London, hosted by Addleshaw Goddard on 8–9 July 2025, directly addresses these issues. This year's event emphasizes two essential dimensions:

• Guiding clients through increasingly politicized ESG landscapes
• Integrating ESG strategically within law firms’ own operations.

Lawyers today must act as ESG strategists and geopolitical advisors, proactively managing regulatory compliance, litigation risks, and embedding sustainable, resilient practices both externally for clients and internally within their organizations.

Join Your Peers

SPEAKING FACULTY

HOST / LEAD PARTNER

SUPPORTING PARTNERS

8:45AM – 9:00AM BST

Chairperson's Opening Remarks

CHAIRPERSON

David Alfrey

Partner

Addleshaw Goddard 

9:00AM-9:45AM BST / KEYNOTE 

Trump 2.0 and its Global Implications

SPEAKER

Bennett Freeman

Associate Fellow

Chatham House

OVERVIEW

The Trump Administration is challenging constitutional norms, the rule of law and the legal community, in turn posing professional and ethical dilemmas for lawyers, law firms and their clients in and beyond the U.S.

What are the responsibilities of the legal profession amidst these pressures—towards defining client interests, maintaining the integrity of law firms, and safeguarding the rule of law itself? How can lawyers support responsible business conduct amidst the backlash against ESG and DEI, while meeting expectations of corporate client employees and customers, stakeholders and shareholders?

9:45AM-10:45am BST / Panel Discussion 

The General Counsel’s Role in ESG Amid Global Uncertainty

MODERATOR

David Alfrey

Partner

Addleshaw Goddard 

PANEL

Efthalia Sarri

Legal & Regulatory Counsel

Huma Allana van Reesch

General Counsel

EMEA Starbucks

Christelle Mateso

DMLRO

Kuwait Finance House PLC

Punam Elleana Mehta

Group General Counsel

Longevity Partners

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.

10:45AM-11:15AM BST

Networking AM Coffee Break

11:15AM–12:45PM BST / Lightning 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:

Wynne 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. 

SPEAKERS:

Alexandra Holsgrove Jones

Partner, Knowledge - ESG

TLT

Emma Davies

Legal Director, Contracts & Procurement

TLT

12:45PM-1:45PM BST

Networking Lunch

Sponsored By

1:45PM – 3:15PM BST / Lightning 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

Senior Associate

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

Withers LLP

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

SPEAKER:

Alice McDonnell

Managing Associate

Stephenson Harwood

3:15PM – 3:30PM BST

Networking PM Coffee Break

3:30PM – 4:15PM GMT / Panel Discussion

Finalists for the Paul Watchman Young Lawyer Award

SPEAKERS

Carla Parsons

Principal Associate, Daughter of Professor Paul Watchman

Mills Reeves

Young Lawyer Finalists:

Ming Zee Tee

Associate

A&O Shearman

Co-Founder and Advisory Board Member

Legal Voices for the Future

Christina Chambers

Associate in Mishcon Purpose

Mishcon de Reya

OVERVIEW

The Professor Paul Watchman Young Lawyer of the Year award nominees will take the stage to discuss their work, what ESG means for them as they look ahead, and what they are looking to achieve as the next generation of lawyers.

4:15PM – 5:15PM BST / Panel Discussion

Ethics, Rule of Law, and Where Do We Go From Here?

SPEAKERS

David Alfrey 

Partner

Addleshaw Goddard

Bennett Freeman

Associate Fellow

Chatham House

Pamela Cone

CEO

Amity Advisory

Dustin Benton

Managing Director

Forefront Advisors

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.

5:15PM – 5:30PM BST

Chairperson’s Closing Remarks

5:30PM – 7:00PM BST

Drinks / Networking Reception / Legal ESG Awards

8:45AM-9:00AM BST

Chairperson's Opening Remarks

CHAIRPERSON

Mary Peterson

Head of Responsible Business

Addleshaw Goddard 

9:00AM-9:45 BST / KEYNOTE 

Beyond Compliance:

Why ESG Engagement Fails Without Inclusion, Language, and Law

SPEAKER

Gihan Hyde

CEO

CommUnique

OVERVIEW

In the race to meet ESG obligations, many organisations mistakenly treat legal compliance and reporting as the finish line—when in fact, they should be the starting point.

In this provocative keynote, Gihan Hyde challenges the notion that ESG is simply about meeting disclosure requirements or hitting sustainability targets. At its core, ESG is about trust—and trust is built through three pillars: clear communication, inclusive action, and legal integrity.

Drawing on her experience as a strategic communicator and ESG advisor, Gihan will explore why Scope 3 emissions, stakeholder narratives, and DEI data have evolved from optional extras to core legal, reputational, and operational concerns.



She will also argue that giving underrepresented voices a seat at the table is no longer just a DEI aspiration—it’s becoming a legal imperative.

9:45AM-10:45am BST / Panel Discussion 

Supply Chain Engagement:

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

MODERATOR

Alexandra Holsgrove Jones

Partner, Knowledge - ESG

TLT

PANEL

Max Finney

Senior Sustainability Manager

Shoosmiths 

Victor Riega
Responsible Business Manager

Rathbones Plc

Kevin Victory

Head of Supply Chain & Technology Sustainability

Lloyds Banking Group

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.

10:45AM-11:15AM BST

Networking AM Coffee Break

11:15AM–12:15PM BST / Case Study

Client–Law Firm Collaboration on Sustainability

SPEAKERS:

Peter Cox

European Motor Claims Procurement Manager

QBE Insurance

Kate Hursthouse

Head of Responsible Business

Kennedys

Joanna Lloyd-Davies

Head of Sustainability, International

QBE Insurance

Katie Rogers

Programme Manager

Heart of the City

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. 

12:15PM – 1:15PM BST / Panel Discussion

The Path to Net Zero:

How Are Law Firms Making Progress?

SPEAKERS

Paddy Linighan

Chief Sustainability Officer

Clyde & Co

Aragon St-Charles
Global ESG Officer

Dentons

Louise Needham

Environmental & Sustainability Manager

Irwin Mitchell

Kat Thorne

Responsible Business - Environment Lead

Eversheds Sutherland

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? 

1:15PM - 2:00PM BST

Networking Lunch

2:00 – 3:00PM BST / Presentation

ESG and DEI:

Strategies for Communications and Commitment

SPEAKERS

Debra Sobel

Founder & Lead Consultant

The Purpose Hub 

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.

3:00 – 3:45PM BST / Panel Discussion

Health and Wellbeing in the Legal Profession

SPEAKERS

Claire Williamson 

Director

Leading Minds Global

Jennifer Dyson-Batliwalla

Global Wellbeing and Executive Coach

Kennedys 

Kate Fergusson

Director of Responsible Business and Sustainability

Irwin Mitchell

Chris Owen

Member

International Bar Association

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. 

3:45PM – 4:00PM BST / Sponsor Spotlight

Latest research: Law firm stakeholder views on responsible business

SPEAKERS

Lisa Hart-Shepherd

CEO

Lamp House Strategy

Chief Product Innovation Officer

Chambers and Partners

Jo Summers

Chief Client Officer

Lamp House Strategy

OVERVIEW

What do clients think of law firm progress on DEI? What’s most important to talent when it comes to DEI, the environment, pro bono and wellbeing? Where do firms need to do more in the eyes of their people? Where do responsible business heads think they have made the most progress, how are priorities shifting in 2025 and what challenges are most difficult to overcome? This 15-minute sponsor spotlight will offer a few brief highlights of Chambers’ latest research with thousands of law firm clients, talent and responsible business heads working at firms, captured over the last six months.

4:00PM – 4:15PM BST

Networking PM Coffee Break

4:15 – 5:15PM BST / Panel Discussion

Panel of Law Firm CSOs / Responsible Business Leaders:

Sharing Best Practices and Next Steps

SPEAKERS

Mary Peterson

Head of Responsible Business

Addleshaw Goddard 

Max Finney

Senior Sustainability Manager

Shoosmiths 

Kate Hursthouse

Head of Responsible Business

Kennedys 

Aragon St-Charles
Global ESG Officer

Dentons 

Paddy Linighan

Chief Sustainability Officer

Clyde & Co

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.

5:15PM – 5:30PM BST

Chairperson’s Closing Remarks

5:30PM – 7:30PM BST

Drinks / Networking Reception

Registration

Confirm your place at: Legal ESG: London

By 30th May and save £400

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

LEGAL ESG:

AWARDS / UK

Recognizing: Excellence / Innovation / Leadership

Nominee Submissions Are Open

Recipients of the inaugural Legal ESG Awards / UK

The Finalists for the Legal ESG: Awards / UK 2024



2025 Award Categories

Recipients of the Legal ESG: Awards / UK 2024

Contact Us

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For more information: contact@insidepractice.com