Sustainability & Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)

Weil is at the forefront of sustainability, environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, employing a cross-disciplinary and global approach to advising our clients proactively on how to address and balance the call for greater transparency on sustainability and ESG matters with regulatory, legal and reputational risk. We counsel public and private corporations, private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies, boards of directors, C-suite executives, financial institutions and other financial sponsors on all aspects of sustainability and ESG matters.

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Notable Representations, Key Contacts

The Sustainability and ESG Landscape

Driven by a variety of societal, political, regulatory and market trends, the global focus on sustainability and ESG issues has become increasingly acute. Business risks and opportunities involving the impact of climate change, sustainability and human capital matters continue to significantly affect the marketplace and the flow of capital. Public and private companies and private equity sponsors alike are proactively assessing and addressing sustainability and ESG issues across their businesses and investments and looking critically at their impact on the communities in which they operate. More than ever before, businesses are taking into consideration the interests of diverse stakeholders. Moreover, companies are seeking ways to lower their cost of capital by accessing green and sustainability-linked financings.

Industry, regulatory and investor guidance on sustainability and ESG issues can be complex and inconsistent despite clear momentum and intense pressure for businesses and investors to incorporate sustainability and ESG considerations into companies’ operations. The regulatory landscape is rapidly moving towards heightened disclosure requirements, increased scrutiny of sustainability claims and more frequent “greenwashing” allegations.

We take an integrated and holistic approach to partnering with our clients to evaluate their business goals, assess impacts, risks and opportunities and provide sound business judgment and guidance on compliance with applicable regulations, market trends and investor expectations. Our Sustainability & ESG group comprises lawyers across the full spectrum of practice areas, including attorneys with deep subject matter expertise on sustainability and ESG topics.

Our Capabilities

Corporate Governance and Best Practices

Crisis Management

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity

Environmental, Health and Safety Matters

Disclosure and Reporting; ESG Ratings

Diversity and Human Capital Management

Sustainability and Impact Focused Funds

Litigation, Investigations, Enforcement and Regulatory Reviews

Shareholders and Investor Engagement

Transactions and Due Diligence

Key Contacts

James Bromley

James Bromley

Partner

London

Annemargaret Connolly

Annemargaret Connolly

Partner

Washington, D.C.

Lyuba Goltser

Lyuba Goltser

Partner

New York

Grapsas_Rebecca

Rebecca Grapsas

Partner

New York

See list of lawyers globally

Shortcut Links

Ranked Band 1 for Environment: Mainly Transactional in D.C.

Chambers USA 2022

Ranked Tier 1 for Environment: Transactional

Legal 500 US 2023

Annemargaret Connolly Ranked Band 1 for Environment: Mainly Transactional in D.C.

Chambers USA 2023

Clients note that the Firm is “top-notch”

Chambers USA

Named National Tier 1 Environmental Law Practice

U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” Survey 2022*

* Best Lawyers (in America) is by Levine Leichtman Capital Partners

Speaking Engagements, Latest Thinking, Firm News & Announcements

Speaking Engagements

  • Sustainability & ESG Quarterly Webinar Series Speaker(s): Rebecca Grapsas, Matthew D. Morton and Marc Schubert

    February 28, 2024 — Weil Public Company Advisory Group partner Rebecca Grapsas, Regulatory Transactions partner Matthew Morton, and Private Funds partner Marc Schubert spoke on the panel “Five Key ESG Developments: How to Prepare in 2024” as part of the Sustainability & ESG Quarterly Webinar Series.

  • Hitting the Reset Button on ESG: Setting Strategy with the Broader Picture in Mind Speaker(s): Lyuba Goltser and Adam B. Banks

    January 30, 2024 — Public Company Advisory Group Co-Head Lyuba Goltser and Appeals and Strategic Counseling Partner Adam Banks spoke on a program titled “Hitting the Reset Button on ESG: Setting Strategy with the Broader Picture in Mind - Democracy and Diversity” as part of The Conference Board’s ESG Center Working Group.

  • American College of Governance Counsel Virtual Event Co-Sponsored by Le Club des juristes Speaker(s): Adé Heyliger

    January 17, 2024 — Weil Public Company Advisory Group partner Adé Heyliger moderated a virtual program titled “ESG: Convergence and Divergence Between the U.S. and Europe” as part of American College of Governance Counsel’s Virtual Event.

  • Navigating Non-Compete Bans in New York Speaker(s): John P. Barry

    December 12, 2023 — Weil Employment Practice Group Head John P. Barry served on a panel titled “Navigating Non-Compete Bans in New York,” at the New York City Bar CLE Program Trade Secrets Symposium 2023.

  • Emotional Distress Claims in Mediation Speaker(s): John P. Barry

    October 13, 2023 — Weil Employment Practice Group Head John P. Barry served on a panel entitled “Emotional Distress Claims in Mediation,” at JAMS’ Employment Practice Group Annual Meeting.

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Latest Thinking

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Firm News & Announcements

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