Projects and Energy

Oil rig

Labour’s North Sea licensing decision will test law firms’ sustainability commitments

One of the many challenges facing the new Labour government is deciding whether to immediately ban all new North Sea oil and gas exploration, including those currently in the licensing process. There is already talk of potential legal action from frustrated bidders. This situation offers oil and gas companies – and their professional advisors, including […]

tornado

Climate crisis: Half of DLA Piper’s assets could be destroyed by tornadoes

With law firms increasingly looking at the risks to their business caused by climate change, DLA Piper has found that 47 per cent of its assets worldwide are vulnerable to tornadoes. The findings follow an assessment of the climate change risks facing the firm. According to the firm’s most recent accounts, the analysis also revealed […]

Collaboration green

Enough power to charge 14,500 smartphones: Dentons and Defra strive to cut emissions

Dentons has cut carbon emissions equivalent to charging 14,500 smartphones by adopting sustainable legal practices with key client Defra. This initiative, termed the “low carbon blueprint”, was developed with Defra’s legal department – Defra Legal Advisers – which is part of the Government Legal Department (GLD) that advises the Department for Environment, Food and Rural […]

Manchester canal

BDB Pitmans leads canal company to victory in landmark sewage ruling

The Supreme Court handed down a landmark ruling today, overturning decisions by the High Court and Court of Appeal to grant waterway owners the right to bring legal action against polluters for nuisance and trespass. This case, one of The Lawyer’s top 10 appeals of 2023, has been progressing since 2010 and has taken over […]

Lawyers Are Responsible

“Climate arsonist or protector of life?” Activists take aim at Linklaters over fossil fuel ties

Climate activists rallied outside Linklaters’ London office yesterday to put pressure on the firm for its involvement in enabling fossil fuel transactions. The group, known as Lawyers Are Responsible, created placards highlighting the billions of dollars in fossil fuel transactions that Linklaters had allegedly facilitated since 2019 until 2023, questioning the firm about its role […]

Eco-friendly office

Skadden and McDermott battle for top spot in eco-showdown at 22 Bishopsgate

Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom and McDermott Will & Emery are among firms housed in 22 Bishopsgate that have begun a competition to see who is the most environmentally sustainable tenant in the building.  The initiative involves 22 Bishopsgate collecting data concerning heating and cooling, water filtration status, and light usage via the building’s […]