For most law firms, if not all, having a position on climate change is now a hygiene factor. Across all sectors, the adaptation of businesses and business models to thrive in the ‘net zero’ economy (and survive the transition to it) is a critical commercial imperative. It is also, particularly in the transitional period that we are now in, a communications imperative. Reputation risk looms large. But, on the face of it, the legal sector may seem like it has comparatively little to fear from a reputational point of view on this issue. The ‘Scope’ of the Challenge In and of themselves, law firms’ activities are not a major direct cause of rising temperatures or extreme weather events. Even those who still rely on significant amounts of air travel for business produce emissions which are a very small drop in a very large ocean. Addressing this, for most, is the easy bit (although there is always more that can be done) – and, increasingly, table stakes; to comply with regulations or meet the requirements of ever more sustainability-focused tenders. Of course, this all requires effective and considered communications to ensure that what firms are doing is transparent and accessible – for both internal and external stakeholders. This is not just an issue for the larger firms. Qualifying (large) firms face strict compulsory reporting requirements, (including compliance with ‘The Companies (Strategic Report) (Climate-related Financial Disclosure) Regulations 2022’ and ‘The Limited Liability Partnerships (Climate-related Financial Disclosure) Regulations 2022’, incorporating alignment with the international gold standard on climate disclosures from the TCFD). But they also are more likely to have the scale and infrastructure to effectively operationalise the process of capturing data and reporting effectively. Smaller firms going to bat against their larger counterparts in the market are essentially compelled to self-regulate as a result. To not do so would leave their brands at a significant competitive disadvantage. This creates challenges both in terms of adequately resourcing 56 LAWYER MONTHLY JULY 2023 Special Feature With climate consciousness and the drive for net zero emissions now firmly cemented as a facet of ESG, law firms are now coming over the same scrutiny faced by their multinational clients. Reputation and communications specialist Tal Donahue discusses what this means for law firms’ PR strategies and how they can position themselves firmly on the drive for a greener future. Net Zero: Effective Communications for Law Firms
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