LONDON January 26, 2023: Real Deals, a leading European private equity news publication, has recognized Weil as a Real Deals Future 40: ESG Innovator. This listing showcases alternative fund managers and advisers that are leading the way in transforming the industry’s approach to environmental, social and governance (“ESG”).

Weil has been praised for both its ESG advisory practice and internal ESG initiatives. Specifically, its role on the establishment of a number of the largest climate, impact and sustainability funds; advising a number of clients on acquisitions that further climate transition; and developing a number of ESG-related initiatives, which include providing more than 85,000 hours of pro bono work and designing a six-week paid internship with an organization’s legal team for candidates from working-class backgrounds.

The Future 40 ESG selection is based on nominations from across the industry – Real Deals and Private Equity Recruitment (“PER”) received in excess of 100 submissions for this inaugural ESG list, showcasing the breadth and depth of innovation in that space throughout the global PE landscape. Each entry was then carefully reviewed by a panel of industry specialists. The judges paid particular attention to the innovation displayed by the firms and individuals across several key areas, including implementation in both the portfolio and the organisation itself, reporting and wider stakeholder engagement.

This follows Weil’s ranking by Law.com International in its 2022 list of The Best Law Firms for Pro Bono in the U.K. This was the fourth consecutive year that Weil received a top-10 ranking. The Firm is also currently working with Oxford University’s Saïd Business School on a specialist ESG-focused training program for its London-based lawyers to build on Weil’s extensive experience in the ESG space and further equip Weil lawyers with the latest thought leadership and advisory skills to help guide clients through the dynamic ESG landscape. This underscores Weil’s continued commitment to its ESG advisory work as well as its London ESG Operational Strategy.

The full publication of ESG Innovators is available here.

About Weil

Founded in 1931, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP has been a preeminent provider of legal services for the past 90 years. With approximately 1,100 lawyers in offices on three continents, Weil has been a pioneer in establishing a geographic footprint that has allowed the Firm to partner with clients wherever they do business. The Firm’s four departments, Corporate, Litigation, Restructuring, and Tax, Executive Compensation & Benefits, and more than two dozen practice groups are consistently recognized as leaders in their respective fields.