12 May 2021
Global law firm K&L Gates LLP has strengthened the way it advises clients on environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) issues by structuring its broad scope of services within coordinated and collaborative areas of focus. The structure, which will evolve with changing client needs, currently includes corporate governance, investing, energy, and agriculture.
“Our lawyers have decades of experience in these areas,” said Corporate Practice Area Leader and Chicago partner Mark McMillan. “We’ve honed our approach to better meet the increasing client demand for ESG advice across industries, and help them navigate the challenges of establishing ESG initiatives within their overall corporate governance.”
The integrated approach is reflected in a new landing page devoted to ESG on the firm’s website. The page outlines the key areas of focus as well as the ESG issues they address, which range from legislative, regulatory, and policy matters, to fund launches and environmentally responsible corporate initiatives.
“ESG is a pivotal issue in the financial services industry, rapidly changing regulatory requirements as well as driving product development,” said Boston partner Michael McGrath. “Our approach reflects the needs of asset managers to remain a step ahead of its evolution.”
London partner Michele Moran agreed, noting that the EU has seen the most significant roll out of new ESG legislation of any region to date. “Our global presence allows us to not only understand the legislative and regulatory climate of specific regions, but also how they may influence or diverge from one another.”
The firm’s reach also stretches across industries, particularly in energy and agriculture arenas. “Our lawyers counsel clients in virtually every sector of renewable energy, clean transportation, sustainability, and carbon capture and removal industries,” said Seattle partner Elizabeth Crouse.
According to Seattle partner Marisa Bocci, this breadth of industry experience is matched with the depth of services provided in each sector. “Sustainable agriculture involves a litany of legal and financial challenges that differ throughout the world,” she said. “We have spent years helping clients navigate everything from environmental regulations and supply chain disputes, to their own policies and audit procedures.”
To learn more about the firm’s ESG capabilities, visit klgates.com/ESG or these area-specific pages:
