Inside Legal ESG is a series of podcast interviews and webinars highlighting opportunities, individuals, and the important and challenging work being done in the ESG space today.
For more information on Inside Legal ESG please email: contact@legalesg.com
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GUESTS
Paddy Linighan
Chief Sustainability Officer
Clyde & Co
What a delight to speak with Paddy Linighan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Clyde & Co. We discussed how he got to the role he holds today, what is important for law firms in the ESG space, and the challenges of reducing carbon emissions when the vast majority of a firm’s emissions are from the Supply Chain. Paddy’s story is great, and his advice is spot-on. You won’t want to miss his insights.
GUESTS
Sean West
Co-Founder
Hence Technologies
In this episode of Inside Legal ESG, Pam speaks with Sean West, Co-Founder of Hence Technologies, an award winning legal technology company, and also author of the GeoLegal notes newsletter, where he draws on decades in the political risk industry to advise legal leaders on risks and opportunities driven by geopolitics. This episode includes discussions around the decaying Rule of Law, the 2024 Political Stew, Guilt by Representation, and many other current geopolitical themes on the horizon. You won’t want to miss his insights.
GUESTS
Alison Taylor
Professor
NYU Stern School of Business
What a great conversation with Alison Taylor, Professor at NYU Stern School of Business. We discussed her book “Higher Ground: How Business Can Do the Right Thing in a Turbulent World.” She offers great insights on the topic of “ethics” and shares advice on why and when companies should “take a stand.” We talked about what is in store for “ESG” in 2024. You won’t want to miss this episode.
GUESTS
Dana Denis-Smith
Founder and CEO
Oblisk Support
In this episode of Inside Legal ESG, I am honored to have a chat with Dana Denis-Smith, Founder and CEO of Oblisk Support. We talked about her launching the business in 2010, the obstacles she faced in the legal profession, why Obelisk Support pursued (and achieved) B Corp Status, and what is next for her company and the profession. You won’t want to miss it.
GUESTS
Alex Kruzel
CEO & Founder
Telesto Strategy
This conversation with Alex Kruzel, CEO & Founder of Telesto Strategy is a gem. We discuss what motivated her to start her ESG consulting firm, what trends she is seeing across her client industries, what it all means for law firms, and what the forthcoming regulations will mean for all companies. You won’t want to miss it.
GUESTS
Sandy Hansen-Wolff
FOUNDER & OWNER
Sandy Hansen-Wolff, LLC
In this episode of Inside Legal ESG, we speak with Sandy Hansen-Wolff, a certified executive coach, a serial entrepreneur, and an expert in transitions and turn-arounds – for executives, their teams, and their companies. She shares with us what she is seeing re: ESG amongst her clients, what is emerging as important and relevant for them, and what gives her hope for the future. You will not want to miss this episode.
GUESTS
Alex Lassiter
Founder and CEO
GreenPlaces
In this episode of Inside Legal ESG, we hear from Alex Lassiter, founder and CEO of GreenPlaces, the allin-one sustainability platform. What does that mean exactly? What differentiates this platform from its competitors? In this conversation, Alex shares what sustainability means for the legal profession, and that law firms have a choice – be a leader or be a laggard. Clients are watching!
GUESTS
Mark Henriques
Partner
Womble Bond Dickinson
This episode of Inside Legal ESG features a conversation with Mark Henriques, a Partner with Womble, Bond Dickenson. Mark is based in Charlotte NC. In our conversation, he shares what he sees as trends in the ESG space – specifically with respect to litigation. We also talk about the forthcoming SEC regulations, and the upcoming US election, and what it all means for ESG. And best of all – we end the conversation with much hope for the future.
GUESTS
Lawrence Heim
Editor
PracticalESG.com
As editor of PracticalESG.com - CCRcorp's ESG/sustainability information service – Lawrence Heim and his team provide original & curated content following the beloved model of CCRcorp and TheCorporateCounsel.net. In this podcast conversation, Lawrence shares how and why
PracticalESG.com was started, its unique candor with an emphasis on practicality, and what is in store for the future. His predictions for the coming year, including what the SEC rules will mean, will appeal to legal, financial and technical ESG practitioners alike.
GUESTS
Marie-Josee Privyk
CSA. RIPC, FSA
Chief Innovation and ESG Officer
Novisto
In this episode of Inside Legal ESG, Pam Cone speaks with esteemed guest Marie-Josee Privyk, CSA. RIPC, FSA, the Chief Innovation and ESG Officer at Novisto.
Marie-Josee shares her insights into current reporting and regulatory trends, the political environment around ESG, what gives her hope, and what we will talk about in one year.
You won’t want to miss this insightful conversation with Marie-Josee.
GUESTS
Chris Swee
Chief Marketing Officer
Boyden
What are other professional services firms doing with respect to their own ESG and in serving their
clients?
In this episode of Inside Legal ESG, we hear from Chris Swee, Chief Marketing Officer of Boyden, a global executive search and talent management firm. Hear about their ESG journey, the ESG expectations from their clients, and how joining the United Nations Global Compact is playing a key role in their ESG journey. Great conversation.
GUESTS
Inigo Cisneros Humaran
Partner
Roca Junyent
So honored and privileged to have with us on this episode of Inside Legal ESG Inigo Cisneros Humaran, partner at the law firm of Roca Junyent in Madrid Spain.
Join us for this conversation to hear thae perspective of a law firm partner in Europe – and the ESG regulations and what it means for their firm and for their clients.
GUESTS
Rachel Richardson
Head of ESG
MacFarlanes
This episode of Inside Legal ESG features a conversation with Rachel Richardson, Head of ESG at MacFarlanes in London. The conversation talks about serving clients around ESG; expectations around a law firm’s own ESG; ESG political pushback; competition law; and more. You won’t want to miss this conversation.
GUESTS
Lisa Hart Shepherd
Chief Executive Officer
Lamp House Strategy
Jo Summers
Chief Client Officer
Lamp House Strategy
Hayley Fothergill
Senior Researcher
Lamp House Strategy
This episode of Inside Legal ESG features a conversation with Lisa Hart-Shepherd, Jo Summers and Hayley Fothergill of Lamphouse Strategy. They shared the methodology and the key findings of their recent research on Law Firms’ Responsible Business practices: the differences by region, the gaps in their narrative and their commitments, and the surprising finding that size does not always matter! They will share more about this research at the upcoming Legal ESG New York event on November 15 & 16 but listen in to get a preview of things to come.
GUEST
Jon Solorzano
Counsel & Co-Head ESG Task Force
Vinson & Elkins
In this episode of Inside Legal ESG, we are privileged to speak with Jon Solorzano, Counsel and Co-Head of the ESG Task Force at the law firm of Vinson & Elkins. With his extensive background in both private practice and in-house, he offers a unique perspective on how law firms can best serve their clients on ESG. We hope you enjoy the conversation!
GUEST
Miriam Wrobel
Senior Managing Director, Global ESG Leader, ESG & Sustainability
FTI Consulting
This episode with Miriam Wrobel was a GREAT conversation. As the Global Leader of ESG & Sustainability at FTI Consulting, she shares how FTI serves and advises clients on the various elements of ESG, and how FTI itself has approached ESG. Focusing on what is most material and being “on the journey” is so important. Definitely worth listening, as most law firms are not yet so far down the road as is FTI – and there are lessons to be had.
GUEST
Angela Monaghan
Purpose & Impact Manager
Bates Wells
What a delightful conversation with Angela Monaghan, Purpose and Impact Manager of the law firm of Bates Wells in London. We discussed how and why Bates Wells became a B Corp Certified law firm, and what it means for them today with respect to clients, prospects, employees, recruits and the communities in which they work. You will not want to miss this insightful episode of the Inside Legal ESG podcast series.
GUEST
Miri Miller
Deputy General Counsel
Dentsu
In this episode of Inside Legal ESG, we hear from Miri Miller, Deputy General Counsel of dentsu. While not a law firm, law firms have much to learn from how dentsu, one of the largest marketing and advertising networks in the world, has embraced sustainability in all they do – including in their service to clients. And, she shares what she expects of her outside counsel as well.
GUEST
Alex Edmans
Professor of Finance London
Business School
You won’t want to miss this conversation with Alex Edmans, Professor of Finance at London Business School. He is the author of the book Grow the Pie – How Great Companies Deliver Both Purpose and Profit. He shares his insight on how companies can accomplish both purpose and profit.
These are not mutually exclusive aspirations, if done right. And he highlights what gives him hope in the ESG / Value Creation arena.
GUEST
Vidhya Prabhakaran
Partner
Davis Wright Tremaine
Vidhya Prabhakaran, a partner at Davis Wright Tremaine, shares his thoughts on the ESG movement – for his clients, for law firms, and for society in general. As Chair of the Sustainability Committee for his firm, he highlights the focus areas for DWT (and likely for many law firms) and offers some advice to firms who might just be getting started. You won’t want to miss this conversation with Vid.
GUEST
Taylor Pullins
Partner
White & Case
In this episode of Inside Legal ESG, Pamela Cone speaks with Taylor Pullins, Partner at White & Case.
The conversation includes his insights from working in-house at an energy company, to leading the ESG
Specialty Practice at White & Case. And – he shares where White & Case is on its own ESG and
Sustainability journey
GUEST
Danielle Douglas
Global Head of Procurement
Clifford Chance LLP
Louise Zabbar
Senior Procurement Manager
(SRM & Sustainability)
Clifford Chance LLP
Danielle Douglas and Louise Zabbar join host Pam Cone to discuss Clifford Chance's sustainability Journey and their recent gold medal rating with EcoVadis.
More information on Clifford Chance's approach to responsible business can be found here
GUEST
Christine Uri
Chief Legal Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer
Engie Impact
Christine Uri, Chief Legal Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer of Engie Impact shares her thoughts on the role of the GC when it comes to ESG. We discussed the logic of wearing both the CLO and the CSO hats (and she wears others as well) in implementing ESG at Engie Impact. She describes the services she would like to see from her outside firms around ESG. The insights and resources she shares will surely be of great interest to both GCs and the outside lawyers who serve them.
GUEST
Aragon St-Charles
Global ESG Officer
Dentons
In this episode Dentons first ever Global ESG Officer, Aragon St-Charles, shares his professional journey and the unique role he plays at the firm. It dives into the two-fold approach of Dentons towards ESG initiatives - serving clients and self-regulation. We discuss the challenges faced by Dentons in implementing their own ESG program and how they manage and measure actions across their vast global footprint. Aragon also offers advice to law firms considering creating similar roles and shares the lessons learned so far. The conversation wraps up with a reflection on the fast-evolving ESG landscape, touching on both discouraging and encouraging aspects, and speculates on future changes.
GUEST
Natalie Runyun
ESG Strategist & Consultant
Thomson Reuters
It is with great pleasure that we release this episode of Inside Legal ESG podcast series.
This conversation with Natalie Runyon, Culture Strategist at the intersection of Inclusion and ESG for the Legal Profession, is both enlightening and entertaining. Listen to Natalie’s perspective on what lawyers and law firms could and should be doing in the ESG space.
GUEST
Paul Clements Hunt
Director of Purpose
Mishcon De Reya
In this episode of Inside Legal ESG podcast, we are so fortunate to have a conversation with one of the Godfathers of ESG, Paul Clements-Hunt.
Listen in as we discuss the birthing of the ESG framework, its current surge in businesses today, the role of the legal profession in addressing society’s challenges, and what his prediction is for the future. You won’t want to miss his insights.
GUESTS
Haley Czarnek
National Director
Law Students for Climate Accountability
Jessica Rahmoune
Media Chair
Law Students for Climate Accountability
Law Students for Climate Accountability (LCSA) began in 2020 with a group of law students seeking answers. What does it mean to be a lawyer during the climate crisis? What is the role of the legal industry in this crisis? To begin to address these questions, they created the Law Firm Climate Change Scorecard and launched a movement.
In this episode, Haley Czarnek and Jessica Rahmoune join host Pamela Cone to discuss how the Law Students for Climate Accountability got started, the differences between their law firm and law student climate pledges, the methodology, reaction, and impact of the scorecard, and what's on the horizon for the LCSA.
GUEST
Joel Makower
Chairman and Co-founder
GreenBiz Group
For 30 years, Joel Makower has been a well-respected voice on business, sustainability,and innovation. As an award-winning writer, speaker, and strategist on corporate sustainability practices and clean technology, he has helped both large and small companies align sustainability and clean technology with business success.
In this conversation, he shares his thoughts on the current state of ESG and sustainability, the direction of travel, why he is a pragmatic optimist, and what to expect in the next year or so.
And – you can also hear about his work capturing the quintessential oral histories of the story of
Woodstock – and how it influenced his career in sustainability. Don’t miss it.
GUEST
David Hunter
Senior Counsel
Bates Wells
In this episode of Inside Legal ESG, David Hunter, Senior Counsel at Bates Wells, sits down to discuss his ESG journey, the origins, purpose, and mission of Net Zero Lawyers Alliance, the Law Society’s Climate Change Working Group, B Corp Certification, and working with clients to assess, develop and implement their transition plans.
GUEST
Ben McQuhae
Founder
Ben McQuhae & Co
You will not want to miss this episode of Inside Legal ESG podcast series which features a conversation with Ben McQuhae, founder of Ben McQuhae & Co, a climate & ESG advisory firm comprising an ESG-focused law firm (www.bmcquhae.com) and an ESG strategy, implementation, coaching firm (www.venturis.eco). This conversation explores why and how he started his law firm to focus on work to help achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – and what that means for his clients, prospects, employees and recruits.
GUEST
Jennifer Harrity-Cantero
Director
Sensiba Center for Sustainability
This episode of Inside Legal ESG features a conversation with Jennifer Harrity - Cantero, Leader of the Sensiba Center for Sustainability at the CPA firm of Sensiba San Filippo. Sensiba was among the first Accounting firms to earn B Corp Certification. What does that mean? How does one attain that certification? And - how did she guide her firm in providing Sustainability services to clients? Every law firm listener will learn from this engaging conversation.
GUEST
Adam Woodhall
Founder & Executive Director
Lawyers for NetZero
This episode of Inside Legal ESG features Adam Woodhall, Founder and Executive Director of Lawyers for NetZero, an organization which provides climate and ESG leadership for GCs and their teams. His thoughts on why GCs need to be involved in their company's ESG program is inspirational and insightful. All lawyers, whether inhouse or at law firms, will learn from this engaging conversation.