Thus far in 2023, ESG controversies continue to dominate the legal headlines in light of the increased politicization of these issues in the U.S. The wrangling comes from both sides of the aisle, at the state and federal levels. Against this backdrop, law firms have been orienting their practices to respond to increasing demand for ESG expertise. The global law firm of Jones Day is certainly no exception as it seeks to provide counsel to a diverse clientele in connection with increased ESG risks and challenges, as well as ESG-related opportunities which have never been greater as organizations worldwide seek to transition to a less carbon-intensive economy.
In this second installment of The ESG Ready Lawyer, Jones Day partners, Giles Elliott and Howard Sidman describe their firm’s ESG-related undertakings which are driven by the varied needs and wide range of issues faced by its clients. Elliott and Sidman also provide some recollections and insights about their own journeys in and around the world of ESG.
During the interview, Elliott and Sidman also share their observations in connection with:
- Building a multidisciplinary, global team of lawyers to address ESG risks and opportunities across multiple jurisdictions and borders;
- Advising clients on a variety of transactional and financing matters including cutting edge renewable energy and carbon capture transactions, public and private reporting obligations, along with investigations and litigation related to efforts by NGOs;
- Providing counsel to clients in connection with the growing number of so-called anti-boycott laws passed by a number of states, along with increased attention on these issues from state attorneys general; and
Additionally, both Elliot and Sidman share their insights regarding the marked recent increase in ESG-related investigations and litigation around the world.
You can read this second installment of The ESG Ready Lawyer here.