{"id":27095,"date":"2025-10-09T13:18:55","date_gmt":"2025-10-09T12:18:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wpcms.chambers.com\/?post_type=topics&#038;p=27095"},"modified":"2026-02-05T14:34:03","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T14:34:03","slug":"responsible-business-esg-2025","status":"publish","type":"topics","link":"https:\/\/wpcms.chambers.com\/topics\/responsible-business-esg-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Responsible business: How is law firm ESG evolving?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In conversation with Hayley Fothergill, Research Manager at Chambers and Partners and Lamp House Strategy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Law firm ESG and people strategies play a role in how firms attract talent, win clients and define their legacy. For this year\u2019s new responsible business report, Hayley Fothergill led a research team analysing how 150 leading UK and US firms communicate and implement responsible business initiatives across People, Planet and Governance.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We sat down with Hayley to unpack the key findings, spotlight standout firms and explore what \u2018good&#8217; looks like today.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Watch the full interview with Hayley Fothergill below.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8Q7jtvNnf_o?si=RRgnx67qv9bJvsir\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>The major trend we see this year is continued momentum among UK firms in making a strong visible commitment to responsible business. In our research, we track how firms are communicating their responsible business commitments and which initiatives are underpinning this.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Among the UK top 100 firms, 65% increased their overall score in this year&#8217;s assessment compared to last year. That means UK firms have remained steadfast in their commitment and are still confident in disclosing and expressing what they\u2019ve been doing to support their environmental, people and governance strategies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Every firm approaches responsible business slightly differently. Each makes its own choices about which aspects and strategic areas to focus on, based on what makes sense for that firm\u2014where it\u2019s at, where it\u2019s been historically and where it\u2019s trying to go.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The top ten highest scoring firms for environmental sustainability look quite different to the top ten for wellbeing. But we\u2019re seeing more of the market converge around particular themes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Environmental sustainability <\/strong>is now central to most UK firm strategies. Nearly 80% of the UK top 50 firms have a net zero target in place. On the People side, there\u2019s a lot more effort around improving <strong>social mobility<\/strong>. Of all the categories we look at in our People section, this is the one attaining the highest score overall. That\u2019s driven by firms talking about recruitment strategies like apprenticeship schemes, outreach with schools in disadvantaged areas and paid work experience to improve access to the profession.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>It was no surprise what we saw in the results for the US market. We expected less communication and disclosure from firms on responsible business, and that absolutely played out.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What was slightly surprising is that a small group of AmLaw 50 firms actually increased their score compared to last year. Within the US, different firms are still taking very different approaches, and a few are bucking the overall trend\u2014which we weren\u2019t expecting to see.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Political pressures this year have been much more intense. Responsible business teams within firms have definitely felt more scrutiny\u2014internally and externally.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But commercially, everything we see in our wider research across Chambers and Partners shows how essential it is to maintain that commitment. It\u2019s critical for satisfying key stakeholders.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s especially true when it comes to attracting and retaining top talent. In our Leading Teams research last year, we surveyed around 10,000 associates across the US and UK. At least half felt that all aspects of responsible business\u2014environmental sustainability, DEI, mental health and wellbeing, and pro bono\u2014are important.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When talent feels their firm is doing a good job in these areas, they\u2019re more motivated, more likely to recommend their firm and less likely to leave. If you\u2019re not meeting those expectations, they will look elsewhere.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Similarly for clients, responsible business can be an essential criterion for pitches and RFPs. We\u2019ve heard from firms who\u2019ve lost work because they couldn\u2019t meet client expectations in this area. So the commercial imperative remains really strong.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>A really encouraging sign is that responsible business is being elevated to board-level strategy. It\u2019s not something that can just sit in a silo or be ignored. It\u2019s seen as integral to the whole firm.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this year\u2019s research, 64% of UK top 50 firms talked about having a responsible business board or ESG steering committee in place\u2014and those bodies report into the overall board. That\u2019s important because responsible business teams need senior leadership to understand and support it as a strategic imperative.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They then have a direct line of communication and can educate board members on why it matters\u2014whether that\u2019s net zero targets or climate science. In law firms, if you have support from the top and the tone is set, things actually happen and there\u2019s momentum.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Our highest scoring firm this year was Taylor Wessing. They\u2019ve always scored highly in the People category, and this year they\u2019ve built on that with an even wider range of activity focused on building an inclusive culture.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They\u2019ve also started to talk more about their environmental work that was happening behind the scenes. Congratulations to them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The rest of the top five highest-scoring firms\u2014in no particular order\u2014are Clyde &amp; Co, DWF, Pinsent Masons and Simmons &amp; Simmons. I\u2019d point to those firms as examples of what good looks like.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you look at how they\u2019re communicating their responsible business strategies, it\u2019s clear that it\u2019s part of the overall firm strategy. It\u2019s not just branding or marketing. They\u2019re showing how it\u2019s woven into the firm\u2019s fabric, with proper on-the-ground initiatives and data to show impact.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Responsible business is one way to think about your legacy as a law firm leader. What kind of firm do you want to lead? What impact do you want to have on your people, your community and the planet?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019d encourage leaders to reflect on how their firm has performed in this year\u2019s research. Spot the gaps and ask: \u201cWhere might we need more investment? Where could we be doing more? Where do our responsible business teams need support and prioritisation to really make initiatives happen?\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use it as a reflection point on what changes you want to see in the world\u2014and how you can work toward those by implementing responsible business strategies at your firm.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/crm.chambers.com\/l\/854103\/2025-10-08\/kfvtf\">Download the report<\/a> by Chambers and Lamp House Strategy to get powerful insights and inspiration for law firm ESG and people strategies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"template":"","categories":[],"tags":[],"publication":[],"blocks":[{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p>In conversation with Hayley Fothergill, Research Manager at Chambers and Partners and Lamp House Strategy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p>In conversation with Hayley Fothergill, Research Manager at Chambers and Partners and Lamp House Strategy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p><strong>Law firm ESG and people strategies play a role in how firms attract talent, win clients and define their legacy. For this year\u2019s new responsible business report, Hayley Fothergill led a research team analysing how 150 leading UK and US firms communicate and implement responsible business initiatives across People, Planet and Governance.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p><strong>Law firm ESG and people strategies play a role in how firms attract talent, win clients and define their legacy. For this year\u2019s new responsible business report, Hayley Fothergill led a research team analysing how 150 leading UK and US firms communicate and implement responsible business initiatives across People, Planet and Governance.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p>We sat down with Hayley to unpack the key findings, spotlight standout firms and explore what \u2018good' looks like today.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p>We sat down with Hayley to unpack the key findings, spotlight standout firms and explore what \u2018good' looks like today.&nbsp;<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p><strong>Watch the full interview with Hayley Fothergill below.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p><strong>Watch the full interview with Hayley Fothergill below.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/html","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<iframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8Q7jtvNnf_o?si=RRgnx67qv9bJvsir\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe>\n","innerContent":["\n<iframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8Q7jtvNnf_o?si=RRgnx67qv9bJvsir\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"What\u2019s the headline insight from this year\u2019s research into law firm ESG and people strategies? ","headerLevel":"3","blockId":"1kCv4j","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-1kCv4j"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p>The major trend we see this year is continued momentum among UK firms in making a strong visible commitment to responsible business. In our research, we track how firms are communicating their responsible business commitments and which initiatives are underpinning this.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p>The major trend we see this year is continued momentum among UK firms in making a strong visible commitment to responsible business. In our research, we track how firms are communicating their responsible business commitments and which initiatives are underpinning this.&nbsp;<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p>Among the UK top 100 firms, 65% increased their overall score in this year's assessment compared to last year. That means UK firms have remained steadfast in their commitment and are still confident in disclosing and expressing what they\u2019ve been doing to support their environmental, people and governance strategies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p>Among the UK top 100 firms, 65% increased their overall score in this year's assessment compared to last year. That means UK firms have remained steadfast in their commitment and are still confident in disclosing and expressing what they\u2019ve been doing to support their environmental, people and governance strategies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"How are law firms approaching responsible business differently today? ","headerLevel":"3","blockId":"LNQPl","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-LNQPl"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p>Every firm approaches responsible business slightly differently. Each makes its own choices about which aspects and strategic areas to focus on, based on what makes sense for that firm\u2014where it\u2019s at, where it\u2019s been historically and where it\u2019s trying to go.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p>Every firm approaches responsible business slightly differently. Each makes its own choices about which aspects and strategic areas to focus on, based on what makes sense for that firm\u2014where it\u2019s at, where it\u2019s been historically and where it\u2019s trying to go.&nbsp;<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p>The top ten highest scoring firms for environmental sustainability look quite different to the top ten for wellbeing. But we\u2019re seeing more of the market converge around particular themes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p>The top ten highest scoring firms for environmental sustainability look quite different to the top ten for wellbeing. But we\u2019re seeing more of the market converge around particular themes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p><strong>Environmental sustainability <\/strong>is now central to most UK firm strategies. Nearly 80% of the UK top 50 firms have a net zero target in place. On the People side, there\u2019s a lot more effort around improving <strong>social mobility<\/strong>. Of all the categories we look at in our People section, this is the one attaining the highest score overall. That\u2019s driven by firms talking about recruitment strategies like apprenticeship schemes, outreach with schools in disadvantaged areas and paid work experience to improve access to the profession.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p><strong>Environmental sustainability <\/strong>is now central to most UK firm strategies. Nearly 80% of the UK top 50 firms have a net zero target in place. On the People side, there\u2019s a lot more effort around improving <strong>social mobility<\/strong>. Of all the categories we look at in our People section, this is the one attaining the highest score overall. That\u2019s driven by firms talking about recruitment strategies like apprenticeship schemes, outreach with schools in disadvantaged areas and paid work experience to improve access to the profession.&nbsp;<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"Were there any surprises in the data this year? ","headerLevel":"3","blockId":"AOo9q","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-AOo9q"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p>It was no surprise what we saw in the results for the US market. We expected less communication and disclosure from firms on responsible business, and that absolutely played out.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p>It was no surprise what we saw in the results for the US market. We expected less communication and disclosure from firms on responsible business, and that absolutely played out.&nbsp;<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p>What was slightly surprising is that a small group of AmLaw 50 firms actually increased their score compared to last year. Within the US, different firms are still taking very different approaches, and a few are bucking the overall trend\u2014which we weren\u2019t expecting to see.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p>What was slightly surprising is that a small group of AmLaw 50 firms actually increased their score compared to last year. Within the US, different firms are still taking very different approaches, and a few are bucking the overall trend\u2014which we weren\u2019t expecting to see.&nbsp;<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"How are firms balancing political and commercial pressures with responsible business commitments? ","headerLevel":"3","blockId":"ODrvD","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-ODrvD"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p>Political pressures this year have been much more intense. Responsible business teams within firms have definitely felt more scrutiny\u2014internally and externally.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p>Political pressures this year have been much more intense. Responsible business teams within firms have definitely felt more scrutiny\u2014internally and externally.&nbsp;<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p>But commercially, everything we see in our wider research across Chambers and Partners shows how essential it is to maintain that commitment. It\u2019s critical for satisfying key stakeholders.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p>But commercially, everything we see in our wider research across Chambers and Partners shows how essential it is to maintain that commitment. It\u2019s critical for satisfying key stakeholders.&nbsp;<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p>That\u2019s especially true when it comes to attracting and retaining top talent. In our Leading Teams research last year, we surveyed around 10,000 associates across the US and UK. At least half felt that all aspects of responsible business\u2014environmental sustainability, DEI, mental health and wellbeing, and pro bono\u2014are important.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p>That\u2019s especially true when it comes to attracting and retaining top talent. In our Leading Teams research last year, we surveyed around 10,000 associates across the US and UK. At least half felt that all aspects of responsible business\u2014environmental sustainability, DEI, mental health and wellbeing, and pro bono\u2014are important.&nbsp;<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p>When talent feels their firm is doing a good job in these areas, they\u2019re more motivated, more likely to recommend their firm and less likely to leave. If you\u2019re not meeting those expectations, they will look elsewhere.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p>When talent feels their firm is doing a good job in these areas, they\u2019re more motivated, more likely to recommend their firm and less likely to leave. If you\u2019re not meeting those expectations, they will look elsewhere.&nbsp;<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p>Similarly for clients, responsible business can be an essential criterion for pitches and RFPs. We\u2019ve heard from firms who\u2019ve lost work because they couldn\u2019t meet client expectations in this area. So the commercial imperative remains really strong.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p>Similarly for clients, responsible business can be an essential criterion for pitches and RFPs. We\u2019ve heard from firms who\u2019ve lost work because they couldn\u2019t meet client expectations in this area. So the commercial imperative remains really strong.&nbsp;<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"What are the most promising innovations or strategies firms are adopting right now?","headerLevel":"3","blockId":"19CnTD","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-19CnTD"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p>A really encouraging sign is that responsible business is being elevated to board-level strategy. It\u2019s not something that can just sit in a silo or be ignored. It\u2019s seen as integral to the whole firm.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p>A really encouraging sign is that responsible business is being elevated to board-level strategy. It\u2019s not something that can just sit in a silo or be ignored. It\u2019s seen as integral to the whole firm.&nbsp;<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p>In this year\u2019s research, 64% of UK top 50 firms talked about having a responsible business board or ESG steering committee in place\u2014and those bodies report into the overall board. That\u2019s important because responsible business teams need senior leadership to understand and support it as a strategic imperative.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p>In this year\u2019s research, 64% of UK top 50 firms talked about having a responsible business board or ESG steering committee in place\u2014and those bodies report into the overall board. That\u2019s important because responsible business teams need senior leadership to understand and support it as a strategic imperative.&nbsp;<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p>They then have a direct line of communication and can educate board members on why it matters\u2014whether that\u2019s net zero targets or climate science. In law firms, if you have support from the top and the tone is set, things actually happen and there\u2019s momentum.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p>They then have a direct line of communication and can educate board members on why it matters\u2014whether that\u2019s net zero targets or climate science. In law firms, if you have support from the top and the tone is set, things actually happen and there\u2019s momentum.&nbsp;<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"What does \u201cgood\u201d look like today\u2014and who\u2019s setting the pace? ","headerLevel":"3","blockId":"Z9zBx6","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-Z9zBx6"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p>Our highest scoring firm this year was Taylor Wessing. They\u2019ve always scored highly in the People category, and this year they\u2019ve built on that with an even wider range of activity focused on building an inclusive culture.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p>Our highest scoring firm this year was Taylor Wessing. They\u2019ve always scored highly in the People category, and this year they\u2019ve built on that with an even wider range of activity focused on building an inclusive culture.&nbsp;<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p>They\u2019ve also started to talk more about their environmental work that was happening behind the scenes. Congratulations to them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p>They\u2019ve also started to talk more about their environmental work that was happening behind the scenes. Congratulations to them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p>The rest of the top five highest-scoring firms\u2014in no particular order\u2014are Clyde &amp; Co, DWF, Pinsent Masons and Simmons &amp; Simmons. I\u2019d point to those firms as examples of what good looks like.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p>The rest of the top five highest-scoring firms\u2014in no particular order\u2014are Clyde &amp; Co, DWF, Pinsent Masons and Simmons &amp; Simmons. I\u2019d point to those firms as examples of what good looks like.&nbsp;<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p>If you look at how they\u2019re communicating their responsible business strategies, it\u2019s clear that it\u2019s part of the overall firm strategy. It\u2019s not just branding or marketing. They\u2019re showing how it\u2019s woven into the firm\u2019s fabric, with proper on-the-ground initiatives and data to show impact.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p>If you look at how they\u2019re communicating their responsible business strategies, it\u2019s clear that it\u2019s part of the overall firm strategy. It\u2019s not just branding or marketing. They\u2019re showing how it\u2019s woven into the firm\u2019s fabric, with proper on-the-ground initiatives and data to show impact.&nbsp;<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"What\u2019s your one key takeaway action for law firm leaders reading this report? ","headerLevel":"3","blockId":"2fR1NV","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-2fR1NV"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p>Responsible business is one way to think about your legacy as a law firm leader. What kind of firm do you want to lead? What impact do you want to have on your people, your community and the planet?&nbsp;<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p>Responsible business is one way to think about your legacy as a law firm leader. What kind of firm do you want to lead? What impact do you want to have on your people, your community and the planet?&nbsp;<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p>I\u2019d encourage leaders to reflect on how their firm has performed in this year\u2019s research. Spot the gaps and ask: \u201cWhere might we need more investment? Where could we be doing more? Where do our responsible business teams need support and prioritisation to really make initiatives happen?\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p>I\u2019d encourage leaders to reflect on how their firm has performed in this year\u2019s research. Spot the gaps and ask: \u201cWhere might we need more investment? Where could we be doing more? Where do our responsible business teams need support and prioritisation to really make initiatives happen?\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p>Use it as a reflection point on what changes you want to see in the world\u2014and how you can work toward those by implementing responsible business strategies at your firm.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p>Use it as a reflection point on what changes you want to see in the world\u2014and how you can work toward those by implementing responsible business strategies at your firm.&nbsp;<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"lazyblock\/chambers-header","attrs":{"header":"Where do you rank for responsible business? ","headerLevel":"3","blockId":"BIEXu","blockUniqueClass":"lazyblock-chambers-header-BIEXu"},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/crm.chambers.com\/l\/854103\/2025-10-08\/kfvtf\">Download the report<\/a> by Chambers and Lamp House Strategy to get powerful insights and inspiration for law firm ESG and people strategies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/crm.chambers.com\/l\/854103\/2025-10-08\/kfvtf\">Download the report<\/a> by Chambers and Lamp House Strategy to get powerful insights and inspiration for law firm ESG and people strategies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n"]},{"blockName":null,"attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n\n","innerContent":["\n\n"]},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":[],"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p><\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p><\/p>\n"]}],"new_scheduled_revision":null,"save_as_revision":null,"acf":{"custom_url":{"base_url":"guides","category":""},"sponsored_page":false,"href_lang":false,"title":"Chambers and Partners","sponsors_list":{"sponsors":[{"name":"Chambers","website":"","logo":"https:\/\/assets.chambers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/01132638\/c-laurel-oxfordblue%401x.jpg","display_order":"0"}],"showhide_borders":false},"useful_links":false,"social_sharing_post_options":{"alignment":"left","sticky":false},"template":{"name":"text-rich-media","sticky_sidebar":false},"hero_title":"Responsible Business: How is Law Firm ESG Evolving?","hero_description":"","hero_content_color":"light","hero_enable_responsive_images":false,"hero_image":"https:\/\/assets.chambers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/09131057\/Responsible-Business-Report-2025.png","hero_retina_image":"https:\/\/assets.chambers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/09131057\/Responsible-Business-Report-2025.png"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v15.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Responsible business: How is law firm ESG evolving? - Chambers and Partners | Researching Outstanding Lawyers Globally | chambers.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"In conversation with Hayley Fothergill, Research Manager at Chambers and Partners and Lamp House Strategy.&nbsp; Law firm ESG and people strategies play a role in how firms attract talent, win clients and define their legacy. For this year\u2019s new responsible business report, Hayley Fothergill led a research team analysing how 150 leading UK and US [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/wpcms.chambers.com\/topics\/responsible-business-esg-2025\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Chambers and Partners | Researching Outstanding Lawyers Globally | chambers.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-02-05T14:34:03+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wpcms.chambers.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/wpcms.chambers.com\/\",\"name\":\"Chambers and Partners | Researching Outstanding Lawyers Globally | chambers.com\",\"description\":\"Chambers and Partners identifies and ranks the most outstanding law firms and lawyers in over 180 jurisdictions throughout the world.\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":\"https:\/\/wpcms.chambers.com\/?s={search_term_string}\",\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wpcms.chambers.com\/topics\/responsible-business-esg-2025\/#webpage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/wpcms.chambers.com\/topics\/responsible-business-esg-2025\/\",\"name\":\"Responsible business: How is law firm ESG evolving? - Chambers and Partners | Researching Outstanding Lawyers Globally | chambers.com\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/wpcms.chambers.com\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2025-10-09T12:18:55+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-05T14:34:03+00:00\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/wpcms.chambers.com\/topics\/responsible-business-esg-2025\/\"]}]}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_title":null,"yoast_meta":[{"name":"robots","content":"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1"},{"property":"og:locale","content":"en_GB"},{"property":"og:type","content":"article"},{"property":"og:title","content":"Responsible business: How is law firm ESG evolving? - Chambers and Partners | Researching Outstanding Lawyers Globally | chambers.com"},{"property":"og:description","content":"In conversation with Hayley Fothergill, Research Manager at Chambers and Partners and Lamp House Strategy.\u00a0 Law firm ESG and people strategies play a role in how firms attract talent, win clients and define their legacy. For this year\u2019s new responsible business report, Hayley Fothergill led a research team analysing how 150 leading UK and US [\u2026]"},{"property":"og:url","content":"https:\/\/wpcms.chambers.com\/topics\/responsible-business-esg-2025\/"},{"property":"og:site_name","content":"Chambers and Partners | Researching Outstanding Lawyers Globally | chambers.com"},{"property":"article:modified_time","content":"2026-02-05T14:34:03+00:00"},{"name":"twitter:card","content":"summary_large_image"}],"yoast_json_ld":[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/wpcms.chambers.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/wpcms.chambers.com\/","name":"Chambers and Partners | Researching Outstanding Lawyers Globally | chambers.com","description":"Chambers and Partners identifies and ranks the most outstanding law firms and lawyers in over 180 jurisdictions throughout the world.","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":"https:\/\/wpcms.chambers.com\/?s={search_term_string}","query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/wpcms.chambers.com\/topics\/responsible-business-esg-2025\/#webpage","url":"https:\/\/wpcms.chambers.com\/topics\/responsible-business-esg-2025\/","name":"Responsible business: How is law firm ESG evolving? - Chambers and Partners | Researching Outstanding Lawyers Globally | chambers.com","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/wpcms.chambers.com\/#website"},"datePublished":"2025-10-09T12:18:55+00:00","dateModified":"2026-02-05T14:34:03+00:00","inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/wpcms.chambers.com\/topics\/responsible-business-esg-2025\/"]}]}]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpcms.chambers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topics\/27095"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpcms.chambers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topics"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpcms.chambers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/topics"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpcms.chambers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27095"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpcms.chambers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27095"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpcms.chambers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27095"},{"taxonomy":"publications","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpcms.chambers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/publication?post=27095"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}