IBA Annual Conference Copenhagen 2026

4 Oct - 9 Oct 2026

Session information

The ESG challenge for law firm leaders, from Paris to Copenhagen: stakeholders, strategy and the shifting global landscape

Thursday 8 October (1115 - 1230)

Committee(s)

Law Firm Management Committee (Lead)
ESG Subcommittee

Description

Over the past five years, ESG has shifted from theory to a core strategic and reputational concern for law firms, moving beyond client advice to impact firm operations, culture, and values. Today, firms are judged by a wider group of stakeholders, including clients, talent, regulators, and society. This session will focus on how firms are embedding ESG – covering climate, human rights, DEI, and ethical governance – into strategy and decision-making. With rising scrutiny, political pushback, and evolving expectations, law firms face new challenges and opportunities as they navigate what responsible business really means. Bringing together diverse perspectives, the session will ask: is ESG in law firms maturing or fragmenting? And how can firms show genuine leadership and impact in a fast-changing landscape?