Responsible Business Report 2025

Freshfields is built on purpose and guided by values. From our leadership to our client work, we’re shaping a responsible business for the future – one that advances sustainability, champions innovation and delivers lasting impact for our people, clients and communities worldwide.

With the privileged position of the legal profession comes a responsibility to uphold and advance access to justice. Pro bono is integral to how we practice, applying our skills, networks and resources with the same rigor, professionalism and care as every other client mandate.

We’re investing in our people and strengthening leadership, inclusion and wellbeing foundations that support a positive, high-performing culture. These foundations guide our progress and anchor our commitment to being a firm where everyone can belong, engage and excel.

We know that ambition and potential are universal, but opportunity is not. We work alongside young people and local organizations to help unlock potential – sharing skills, networks and resources to strengthen community-led efforts and support more equitable opportunities.

Our environmental commitment is longstanding – from early work on emissions to funding climate action in East Africa. We are working toward net zero by 2050, supported by near-term targets across buildings, travel and supply chain, all validated by the Science Based Targets initiative.

How we work defines who we are. Across innovation, procurement and governance, we’re building on a culture where responsibility drives progress – aligning technology, partnerships and policies to strengthen trust and deliver sustainable results.