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.



DAYS TO GO

Early Bird Registration

Register by 30th May - save £400

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

SUPPORTING PARTNERS

8:45AM – 9:00AM GMT

Chairperson's Opening Remarks

CHAIRPERSON

David Alfrey

Partner

Addleshaw Goddard 

9:00AM-9:45AM GMT / KEYNOTE 

Trump 2.0 and its Global Implications

SPEAKER

Bennett Freeman

Principal

Bennett Freeman Associates LLC

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 GMT / Panel Discussion 

The General Counsel’s Role in ESG Amid Global Uncertainty

MODERATOR

David Alfrey

Partner

Addleshaw Goddard 

PANEL

TBA

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 GMT

Networking AM Coffee Break

11:15AM–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:

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. 

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 

3:15PM – 3:45PM GMT

Networking PM Coffee Break

3:45PM – 4:45PM GMT / Panel Discussion

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

SPEAKERS



David Alfrey 

Partner

Addleshaw Goddard

Bennett Freeman

Principal

Bennett Freeman Associates LLC

Pamela Cone

CEO

Amity Advisory

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.

4:45PM – 5:00PM

Chairperson’s Closing Remarks

5:00PM – 7:00PM

Drinks / Networking Reception / Legal ESG Awards

8:45AM-9:00AM  GMT

Chairperson's Opening Remarks

CHAIRPERSON

Mary Peterson

Head of Responsible Business

Addleshaw Goddard 

9:00AM-9:45 GMT / KEYNOTE 

ESG Engagement

SPEAKER

Gihan Hyde

Founder

Communique 

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. 

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

Supply Chain Engagement:

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

MODERATOR

Alexandra Holsgrove-Jones

Partner

TLT

PANEL

Max Finney

Partner

Shoosmiths 

Victor Riega

Partner

Rathbones Group PLC

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 GMT

Networking AM Coffee Break

11:15AM–12:15PM GMT / Case Study

Client–Law Firm Collaboration on Sustainability

SPEAKERS:



Peter Cox

Partner

QBE

Kate Hursthouse

Partner

Kennedys  

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 GMT / Panel Discussion

The Path to Net Zero:

How Are Law Firms Making Progress?

SPEAKERS

Alisdair Cameron

Partner

Law Society 

Aragon St Charles

Partner

Dentons  

Patrick Linighan

Chief Sustainability Officer

Clyde & Co

Louise Needham

Environmental & Sustainability Manager

Irwin Mitchell

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 GMT

Networking Lunch

2:00 – 3:00PM GMT / 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 – 4:00PM GMT / Panel Discussion

Health and Wellbeing in the Legal Profession

SPEAKER

Jennifer Dyson-Batliwalla

Global Well-Being

Kennedys 

Kate Fergusson

Director of Responsible Business and Sustainability

Irwin Mitchell

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. 

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

SPEAKERS

Mary Peterson

Head of Responsible Business

Addleshaw Goddard 

Max Finney

Partner

Shoosmiths 

Kate Hursthouse

Partner

Kennedys 

Aragon St Charles

Partner

Dentons 

Paddy Linighan

Partner

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

Chairperson’s Closing Remarks

5:30PM – 7:30PM

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