ESG legal issues
ESG considerations are at the forefront of corporate strategy. Increased global regulation and the changing expectations of investors, employees, clients, consumers, communities and other stakeholders are leading companies to place increased focus on their ESG priorities and sustainable business practices.Assessing ESG challenges and risks and taking appropriate and informed steps can help businesses find new opportunities, build long-term financial value and establish operational resilience.
Experienced global ESG lawyers
Our global and multidisciplinary ESG team understands the challenges, risks and opportunities that ESG and sustainability presents and can help shape the future of your business. Our lawyers will ensure you achieve compliance with ESG regulations across the jurisdictions in which you operate.We will advise you on the regulatory changes to come, and help you craft a forward-looking ESG strategy that maximizes opportunities, supports sustainable growth, mitigates risk and helps you deliver on your commitments and purpose. Our approach is holistic, aligned and focused on helping you achieve ESG compliance and long term value across your entire value chain.
As sustainability reporting becomes increasingly mandatory across jurisdictions, companies are under pressure to disclose ESG performance with accuracy and consistency. At the same time, collaborative initiatives—such as industry alliances or joint climate action—must be carefully structured to avoid antitrust and competition risks. Environmental compliance remains a critical area, with businesses navigating complex obligations around emissions, waste, and resource use to meet both legal and reputational standards.
Global supply chains face increasing legal and reputational scrutiny and businesses must ensure sustainable practices are embedded throughout their operations. This includes addressing business and human rights risks, meeting emerging due diligence and reporting requirements, and aligning with regulations that promote circular economy principles. Legal teams also play a critical role in shaping sustainable procurement strategies, ensuring supplier contracts reflect ESG standards and mitigate compliance risks across jurisdictions.
Legal frameworks are rapidly evolving to support the shift toward low-carbon operations and resilient infrastructure. Companies are navigating the energy transition, implementing carbon offsetting and capture mechanisms, and investing in green buildings and data centres that meet sustainability standards. Strategic legal guidance also supports sustainable transportation initiatives and the integration of ESG and AI, ensuring innovation aligns with regulatory requirements and long-term climate goals.
Legal considerations around people and social impact are increasingly shaping corporate sustainability strategies. Companies are expected to uphold corporate digital responsibility, ensuring ethical use of technology and data. Compliance also extends to employee and worker protection and pay transparency.
Legal scrutiny around sustainability claims is intensifying, with companies facing growing risks of litigation and reputational damage. Climate change and ESG dispute resolution is becoming a specialized area, covering regulatory investigations, shareholder actions, and cross-border litigation. Businesses must also ensure that green and sustainability claims are substantiated and compliant with advertising and consumer protection laws to avoid accusations of greenwashing.
Companies and investors are navigating complex requirements around sustainable finance instruments, ESG-linked disclosures, and impact measurement. Legal teams also advise on structuring sustainable investments, managing ESG risks in asset management and funds, and ensuring compliance with both regulatory standards and stakeholder expectations.
Latest Approfondimenti
- podcasts and webcastsCarbon Trading: Navigating Voluntary and Compliance Markets
- legal updatesChina: Counter-sanctions and EU due diligence obligations
- legal updatesCommercially connected - June 2026
- legal updatesCommercially Connected Shorts - 17 June 2026
podcasts and webcasts
29 giugno 2026
Carbon Trading: Navigating Voluntary and Compliance Markets
legal updates
25 giugno 2026
China: Counter-sanctions and EU due diligence obligations
legal updates
24 giugno 2026
Commercially connected - June 2026
legal updates
17 giugno 2026
Commercially Connected Shorts - 17 June 2026