As ESG issues continue to dominate legal, political and business agendas, organisations face increasing pressure to rethink how they do business. Successfully navigating this complex and rapidly changing landscape raises a number of legal challenges, and preparation is vital to mitigate risk and avoid ESG-related disputes.

From greenwashing allegations to transition risk associated with decarbonising society, organisations are being held to account by governments, regulators, consumers and investors. The nexus of human rights and international business is also under scrutiny, as whistleblower allegations, supply chain issues, human rights concerns and compliance obligations emerge and evolve.

For many years, we have been the leading legal advisers on some of the most complex, high‑profile ESG disputes globally – from landmark climate change litigation to mass environmental claims. We also advise clients on regulatory investigations, the design and implementation of restorative justice programmes and Operational‑Level Grievance Mechanisms in accordance with the UNGPs, and the growing trend of quasi-judicial claims, including OECD National Contact Point proceedings, in relation to which we have advised on a diverse range of topics (for example, greenwashing, climate due diligence, and alleged human rights issues).  Clients rely on us to manage their most critical and sensitive ESG risks — and to deliver informed, pragmatic guidance when matters become contentious.