The race to net zero: The role lawyers play as agents of change

1 Benchmark your net zero performance

From the outset, it's important to measure your firm against net zero metrics, such as those outlined by the Paris Agreement. (You can use a simple online self-assessment tool like this, or register with a more expansive global initiative like SME Climate Hub.)

Only through a set of evidence-driven ESG policies integrated into your operating model – led by senior management and with buy-in across the firm – can your net zero initiatives thrive.

Whether you're building a new framework or developing it further, these questions can help form the foundations of your sustainability strategy:

• Could your firm commit to a hybrid working model?
• How are ESG policies introduced and measured within your organisation? Do team members have support from leadership and partners to be able to introduce new sustainability initiatives?
• Would you be willing to publicly commit to initiatives like the UN's Sustainable Development Goals?

2 Explore net zero as a business development opportunity

Building strong relationships with clients is critical for long-term success. But business development has evolved over recent years. For lawyers to attract and retain clients, they need to foster connections founded on shared values - like a mutual commitment to protecting the environment.

This public and vocal commitment to net zero will become increasingly important for firms. Many suppliers and clients look at an organisation’s ESG policies when they’re deciding which firm to do business with. In countries like Switzerland, large companies are now legally required to produce a public ESG report that includes a calculation of its environmental impact.

You can strengthen your reputation as a firm that supports net zero by:

• Taking on pro bono work from organisations that protect the environment
• Sponsoring a fundraiser for a sustainability charity
• Organising a town hall for employees and clients where net zero issues are discussed
• Using and prioritising carbon-neutral suppliers and partners
• Self-regulating your ESG policies and producing yearly sustainability reports

Being driven by sustainability will not only help your firm acquire new business. It will also help you attract and retain a new generation of talent (and clients). A rigorous set of ESG policies is more likely to convince them that you're serious about protecting the environment - and their future.

"Almost half of Gen Zs (48%) and millennials (43%) have pressured their employer to take climate action”
- (Deloitte, 2022)"

3 Take legal technology and hybrid working to the next level

Law firms coped admirably when the pandemic introduced a sudden shift to remote and hybrid work. This also had a positive impact on the environment - the uptake in video conferencing software has likely reduced global carbon emissions by up to 94%.

However, there's much more that firms can do to reduce emissions and elevate their hybrid working models. Especially when it comes to the legal tech solutions that are being used to power these hybrid ecosystems, whether they’re eDiscovery solutions or AI-powered tools.

“Hybrid workers may be offsetting carbon savings by expending emissions in other ways, including excessive emails – one year of emails per person is equivalent to a 200-mile road trip.“ - (eCo2 Greetings, 2021)

To ensure that your firm can sustain its net zero credentials as a hybrid model, it's important to considering the following:

• Prevent e-waste by repairing or refurbishing laptops and smartphones
• Use servers that draw only from renewable energy (and review the ESG policies of any tech suppliers)
• Take advantage of "smart contracts" that minimise material waste
• Consider hosting meetings that require face-to-face time in the metaverse

4 Build long-term partnerships with sustainable firms

Collaborative partnerships with like-minded firms and industry experts will strengthen your net zero efforts. Networks such as Net Zero Lawyers Alliance, Lawyers For Net Zero, The Chancery Lane Project and the Legal Sustainability Alliance lead the way for the legal profession as a force for positive collective change.

Certification from independent organisations like B Corp can also accelerate progress and enhance your reputation for sustainability – the criteria for attaining B Corp status, currently held by 6,000 firms globally, is famously tough.

“B Corp-certified businesses have faster growth in turnover than non-certified rivals (27% compared to 5%, respectively), and higher levels of employee retention, engagement and diversity.” - (B Corp)

Working more closely with ALSPs will also make your firm increasingly flexible as you draw on their specialisms and offload resource-intensive work more effectively – giving you more time to dedicate to ESG work in the process.