In this fourth installment of The ESG Ready Lawyer, K&L Gates’ partners Sean Jones and Julie Rizzo describe the firm’s ESG practice and capabilities, as well and their own client-centric philosophy and approach to providing advice and grappling with today’s complex ESG-related challenges.
Both Jones and Rizzo bring a wealth of experience and passion to their ESG practices. Jones, who has been practicing law for 30 years, describes ESG as the most interesting, challenging, and dynamic topic he has seen. Meanwhile, Rizzo leans heavily on her diverse background which includes a stint as an attorney-advisor with the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance, working as an in-house counsel, and now, as an outside lawyer, advising companies on their own ESG journeys.
During the interview, Jones and Rizzo generously share their insights and observations in connection with:
- How the K&L Gates enables its clients to see broader trends and dynamics in an ever-changing ESG ecosystem;
- Advising clients in light of the uncertainties around the SEC’s pending and long-awaited final climate disclosure rules;
- Consideration of a number of other ESG-related actions the SEC has taken that companies should be aware of;
- Helping clients navigate the ESG-related legislation of all 50 states, federal legislation, and legislation in the EU and other jurisdictions; and,
- Providing counsel and guiding clients in an increasingly politically charged and chaotic environment around all matters ESG.