New generation takes charge of ESG at Herbert Smith Freehills as global leadership team announced

Leading international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills has announced the new leadership of its environmental, social and governance (ESG) practice, restructured to meet client demand and build on the firm’s 30 years of experience advising in this area.

The new ESG leadership team streamlines client access to the firm’s expertise and specialist capabilities from across all practice areas, sectors, and offices – mobilising multi-disciplinary teams to match client need for holistic support in this field.

“ESG is no longer a buzzword, but is critical to everyone’s future,” said CEO Justin D’Agostino. “In business, a welcome seismic shift is underway in ESG awareness, regulation and enforcement that affects every company, investor and lender, and we need to support them.”

“In forming the new ESG leadership team, we wanted our knowledgeable and ambitious young leaders to take charge, fully backed by the firm’s management team,” said Justin.

“Each of these leaders has deep experience in ESG and individual specialist expertise; they reflect our track record in this area, and will build the practice for the future with our clients.”

The firm’s new Global ESG Leadership Team is led by London-based energy partner Silke Goldberg, with regional leadership from impact investment specialist Rebecca Perlman for the UK, the US and EMEA, governance expert Timothy Stutt in Australia, and business and human rights specialist Antony Crockett in Asia.

”The new structure delivers all of the firm’s expertise in this area to our clients through a dedicated team of cross disciplinary specialists,” said Silke. “It breaks down traditional law firm structures to better mobilise our skills across disciplines, particularly for global clients.”

The new leadership team is also responsible for developing the firm’s next generation of experts through training and education, particularly through the business sector specialist teams.

“As a firm, we’ve taken big steps this year to accelerate our own approach in this area too,” said Justin. “Matching this emphasis in our legal advisory work is complementary and will benefit the firm and clients alike.”