Sustainability

Sustainability is central to how we operate and how we support our clients. 

We are committed to continually improving our environmental performance and embedding sustainable practices across our business. 

Our approach is evolving, reflecting the fast-moving nature of this area and our determination to make a positive impact. As well as our internal operations, we consider our client and supplier relationships, ensuring that we are learning from our clients and suppliers too.

We recognise that sustainability is a shared responsibility and we encourage everyone at the firm to play their part. Our Environmental Committee and Green Network – involving people from across the firm – help drive our initiatives forward. 

Environmental policy

In June 2020 we adopted an ambitious new environmental policy, which was updated in 2024.

The policy includes wide-ranging commitments including our own business such as carbon and waste management, and collaborating with the legal sustainability community. These commitments represent the important contribution we can make as a firm to the environment.

We are developing a set of measurable targets to track our progress towards each of our policy commitments over time. 

Our sustainability strategy

Our strategy goes beyond carbon. It covers biodiversity, resource efficiency and sustainable procurement, along with the transition to net zero. Key elements include:

• Measuring and reporting: Tracking our carbon footprint (Scopes 1, 2 and 3) and developing robust reduction pathways.
• Operational initiatives: 100% renewable electricity in London, food waste reduction, improved recycling, and using environmentally friendly products such as peat-free plants, sustainable paper, and sustainable sanitary products.
• Partnerships and collaboration: Active members of the Net Zero Lawyers Alliance, Legal Sustainability Alliance, and collaborations with initiatives such as the Chancery Lane Project and the Fleet Street Quarter Business Improvement District. These partnerships allow us to share knowledge and help shape the response of the legal sector – and our local community – to climate change.
• Continuous improvement: Our environmental policy, first adopted in 2020 and updated in 2024, demonstrates our intention to achieve measurable, long-term improvements. We regularly review our progress, including through external assessments.
• Employee empowerment: Providing colleagues with the knowledge and tools to make environmentally friendly choices at work and home.

We are proud of the progress we have made and remain focused on driving positive change – for our clients, our people, and the wider community. 

Sustainable procurement

We look for suppliers who meet our high standards for expertise and service, and who also share our values around sustainability, inclusion, and ethical business. Our procurement process considers a range of factors, including:

• Information security: We require suppliers to demonstrate robust measures to keep both physical and digital information secure and confidential.
• Legal compliance: Suppliers must comply with all relevant legislation, including modern slavery and anti-corruption laws.
• Inclusion and diversity: We favour suppliers who operate inclusively and can evidence their approach, such as participation in the Social Mobility Foundation Employer Index or the Disability Confident scheme. As a Disability Confident Leader, we are happy to support our partners in developing their own inclusive practices.
• Fair pay: We prioritise suppliers who are signatories to national fair wage schemes, such as the Real Living Wage, to help promote social mobility and fair working conditions.
• Sustainability: We assess whether suppliers have a clear approach to sustainability, such as a carbon or biodiversity management plan, or a commitment to the circular economy. We look for opportunities to collaborate on reducing environmental impact.

We take several steps to ensure sustainable procurement, including appropriate and reasonable provisions in our contracts to capture our expectations around sustainability, inclusion, and ethical conduct. We regularly review our supplier relationships to ensure they remain aligned with our values and goals.