Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)

Now more than ever, business success is viewed as intrinsically linked to the health of the communities in which companies operate. Corporate practices and policies that seek to reduce negative environmental impact, improve social equity and support an increased quality of life for all people are seen by many as both a moral and a business imperative. Consequently, investors, stakeholders and consumers increasingly view a company’s commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives and standards as a means to evaluate the sustainable and ethical impact of the company’s operations and as a critical assessment criterion, indicative of good governance and an ability to mitigate risk.

Given our understanding of the main drivers for ESG, including the shift to socially conscious investing, business reputation and sustainability, companies operating across a broad range of industries are evolving to meet the demand for ESG compliant practices. Our lawyers are well equipped to help clients develop and implement a comprehensive approach to managing legal and business risks and addressing ESG related issues. We also assist investors and corporate boards in navigating how to implement ESG practices and the risks of not focusing on ESG matters. Haynes and Boone is committed to helping our clients achieve the highest standards of ethics, compliance and transparency in their ESG efforts.

We advise on ESG initiatives related to the following:

• ESG governance
• Public company disclosures
• ESG activism
• Environmental regulatory compliance
• Climate change
• Corporate governance
• Renewable energy
• Energy transition
• Human rights
• Community engagement
• Labor and employment
• Investor relations
• Cybersecurity
• Product governance
• Risk management
• Reputation/defamation protection
• Sustainable finance and green finance

In addition to advising on these policies, our firm lives by them. As an international law firm with offices around the world, Haynes and Boone is deeply committed to corporate social responsibility and sustainability. We understand these issues because we are facing them too, and we share our clients’ and our communities’ determination to embrace sustainable and socially engaged practices.