Responsible Business Report 2023
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6 Nov 2023
Insight
Global
Welcome message from Justin D'Agostino, Chief Executive Officer and Partner
As one of the world’s leading international law firms, we engage with the most important challenges and opportunities facing our clients.
As a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact, we also work with our people, our clients and wider society to respond to the needs that exist in the communities in which we do business, and lead by example to make a positive impact on the most material issues facing us and our stakeholders.
In conversation with Rebecca Maslen-Stannage
Rebecca Maslen-Stannage (Bec) is the first woman Chair and Senior Partner at Herbert Smith Freehills. Formerly a disputes lawyer,
Bec is now recognised as one of Australia’s top lawyers in mergers and acquisitions. Here, she reflects on the firm’s progress as a responsible business and the opportunities yet to come.
For me, the launch of our employee value proposition, Life@HSF, stands out. It recognises that every single person in our firm is important.
Rebecca Maslen-Stannage
Chair and Senior Partner
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Welcome
From Justin D'Agostino and Rebecca Maslen-Stannage
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Our approach
Prioritising the issues that matter most to us and our stakeholders for positive and lasting impact
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Our people
Helping our people to grow personally and professionally
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Our clients
Forming trusted partnerships with our clients
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Social impact
Enabling more equitable outcomes for people and communities at risk of marginalisation, underrepresentation or disadvantage
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Sustainability
Tackling climate change to save the planet
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Reporting
UN Sustainable Development Goals index
Double materiality assessment: prioritising the issues that matter most
We report on our impact on society and the environment, and also the impact that society and the environment have on our firm.
Materiality Assessment Results
Our assessment pinpointed 11 material issues. Some directly impact our business performance, reputation and long-term success. Others are impact that we create on society and the environment by doing business. Of these 11, we deemed 6 issues to be top priorities:
- Diversity and inclusion;
- ESG impact through clients;
- Employee well-being;
- Governance and ethics;
- Talent and employee relations; and
- Social impact.
Life@HSF
What it means to work at Herbert Smith Freehills and how shared values and ambition will take us and our people in new and exciting directions.
As a leading international law firm, we face stiff competition to attract a diverse range of talented people — and keep them. What we stand for; what we believe in and how we operate really matter.
Forming trusted partnerships with our clients
We form trusted partnerships with our clients, help them to manage risks and opportunities, to unlock business value, enhance resilience and contribute to a more sustainable world.
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ESG
Shaping impactful ESG strategy
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Energy transition
Towards a more sustainable energy future
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Real Estate
The new brief
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Charities
How we help charities to maximise their social impact and deliver meaningful change
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Banking
Collaborating with banking clients for greater social impact
Pro Bono: Making a positive difference
Across the world, the equity gap is growing wider. For many people it is getting harder to meet basic needs, such as access to safe housing, food, education and employment.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian impact of climate change; tectonic shifts in the geopolitical landscape; mass movement of people; modern slavery and the cost-of-living crisis touch marginalised and excluded communities disproportionately. Our pro bono practice prioritises listening to and helping people and organisations living and working at the front line of these challenges. We believe the most impactful contribution we can make is to use our legal skills to create more equitable outcomes.
Sustainability: the path we’re on
As the climate crisis intensifies, we witness how the planet’s rising temperatures contribute to extreme weather events that affect millions of people globally. These events underscore the urgent worldwide need for a just transition — one that supports a more sustainable economy and that is fair to everyone — aligned to the 1.5°C pathway to halve all emissions by 2030.
Our Carbon Commitment Progress
Key contacts
Legal Notice
The contents of this publication are for reference purposes only and may not be current as at the date of accessing this publication. They do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Specific legal advice about your specific circumstances should always be sought separately before taking any action based on this publication.
© Herbert Smith Freehills 2024
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