Complexity = opportunity for legal teams

By taking leadership on the climate and ESG agenda, GCs are both “doing the right thing” AND using it as an opportunity to demonstrate their value as key advisors; horizon scanning and supporting their organisation to go beyond compliance and drive business value.?

This is clear from the agenda of the "Reuters Legal Leaders Europe" event, and the panel topics are an indicator of how GCs are navigating and thriving in this volatile business and societal environment. ?

Lawyers for for Net Zero has been collaborating with Reuters Events Legal on the event, and our CEO, Adam Woodhall will chair a panel, along with a good number of our Impact Accelerator participants (aka ‘Champions’) will also be sharing their views on panels.

Astute legal teams

The world is both moving faster, and becoming increasingly complex: from societal and environment issues through to issues within the legal landscape. ?This is giving an increasing opportunity to GCs and astute legal teams are going way beyond being seen as cost centre and are now delivering multiple benefits to the organisation.

There is also increasing pressure being asserted on companies from consumers, regulators and shareholders alike to be more transparent. Layered on top of this is the increased scrutiny on the claims made by companies in their bid to be more transparent.

Furthermore, there is an increased drive for companies, and therefore legal teams, to be tech and data savvy, meaning forward thinking in-house lawyers are learning to love many different apps and tools.

Adding real value

As companies struggle to understand and comply with an ever-increasing influx of global ESG legislation and regulation, GCs are adding real value to companies by helping the business navigate this complex area.

“Driving the E of ESG or lagging? Why GCs are taking leadership” is the panel which our CEO is chairing.?This will explore more how GCs are stepping up and making a meaningful difference in this area. ?He will be joined by two of our Impact Accelerator participants: James Darbyshire and Kirin Kalsi in addition to Erika Schenk

Helicopter view

A core concept for Lawyers for Net Zero is that in-house lawyers, especially GCs, hold a unique position within companies, with their helicopter view of the business.

Another panel, “How does a GC drive ESG?” will provide insights into how GCs are using this holistic view and their extensive network, together with their ability to spot and assess risks to influence multiple stakeholders and drive forward the ESG agenda. As the agenda notes:

“GCs can weave disparate ESG topics into a narrative that resonates with many stakeholders and maximises the impact of the ESG programme”.

Leaning in on transparency

Transparency and reporting are high on a company’s agenda and the GCs who are taking the lead are leaning in to help build the necessary structures and strategies. ??These GCs are using their extensive network of stakeholder relationships to have this direct influence and build long-term value creation. ?This will be be particularly explored during the sessions: “Developing a comprehensive ESG strategy” and “General Counsel Leadership and Strategy 2022”, and it will certainly come up across many other sessions.

Whether you can make it to this years Reuters conference or not to hear the views of leading GCs, it is clear they are taking leadership on climate and ESG issues.?