In this episode of Inside Legal ESG, we chat with Matthew Sparkes, Sustainability Director at Linklaters. Given he has been with Linklaters for 16 + years, there is a lot to learn about the evolution of the remit, advice for those just getting started, and what challenges are on the horizon for law firms’ own sustainability journeys. 

In this episode of Inside Legal ESG, I talk with Katie Stowe – a Legal Industry Legend in Marketing, Business Development, DEI, ESG, and ProBono.  We discuss the opening of her new business, Impact Matters, a firm which will consult with “future-ready” law firms.  She shared the progression of her career, the expectations of clients, the maturity (or not) of law firms in these areas, and what gives her hope. You won’t want to miss this episode. 

In this episode of Inside Legal ESG, Pamela Cone has a chat with Matthew Sekol, Global ESG & Sustainability Advisor at Microsoft, and the author of the just published book “ESG Mindset: Business Resilience and Sustainable Growth.”  The conversation covers everything from the criticisms and controversies around ESG, the future of ESG, and of course, what gives Matthew hope working in this fast-moving space.  You won’t want to miss it. 

So delighted to chat with Mark Bergman, Founder and CEO of 7 Pillars Global Insights. Given his 39+ years as a Securities, Governance and Disclosure lawyer at Paul Weiss, and his current work in the ESG space, he offers tremendous insights and thought leadership around what is happening globally and here in the US with respect to ESG. You won’t want to miss it.

This episode of Inside Legal ESG is a conversation with Kirsty Rogers, Global Head of ESG at DWF, and the Managing Partner of DWF’s Manchester office. We chat about where DWF is on its ESG journey (quite impressive indeed), what ESG work the firm is doing with clients, how the legal profession is collaborating for greater progress, and what to expect in the coming year. You won’t want to miss it.

Join us for this episode of the Inside Legal ESG podcast series to hear Pam Cone discuss the latest trends, opportunities and challenges with ESG throughout the legal profession – everything from Artificial Intelligence, to political pushback, to increasing regulatory pressure.  With Christina’s view from London, and Aimee’s perspective from Johannesburg, the conversation paints a global picture of where we are today – and what to expect tomorrow. 

What a treat to have a conversation with Alyssa Auberger, Chief Sustainability Officer at Baker McKenzie. She shares with us her journey, her favorite and her most challenging aspects of working in the sustainability space in the legal profession. We also discuss the role of the legal profession in the global transition.  You won’t want to miss this discussion. 

In this episode of Inside Legal ESG, host Pam Cone speaks with Joshua Domb, Founder of Gen-R Law – a law firm based in London that is on a mission: To bring the energy, passion and expertise of a full-service corporate law firm to the global work against climate change. What motivated him to start this firm? What has surprised him the most? And why is he committed to “paying it forward?”  You won’t want to miss this conversation! 

In this episode of Inside Legal ESG, we speak with Ximena Araya, an Innovation and Sustainability Associate with the law firm of Facio and Canas in San Jose, Costa Rica.  In our conversation, we learn of the latest disclosure developments for Costa Rica companies, and what is next for the country’s regulatory developments.  Ximena shares her predictions for the next year, and describes what gives her hope, working in this space.  You can hear our conversation here. 

In this episode of Inside Legal ESG, we talk with Adam Braun, Co-founder and CEO of Clarasight.  Adam shares his insights re: managing carbon emissions on a short-term basis in order to reach long-term emissions reduction goals.  He explains how to treat “carbon as currency” and manage and spend accordingly.  And, he shares what gives him hope in this, the greatest transition of our lifetime! 

So excited to have had the opportunity to speak with Philip Charm, Co-Founder of Clarasight, an Enterprise Carbon Planning & Analysis platform. In our conversation, we talk about the impetus in starting the company, how they have pivoted to respond to the market, the trends in companies tackling a carbon reduction program, and the benefits to those companies who “lean-in” to the opportunity – particularly when it comes to collaborating with customers, vendors, and suppliers on the journey. You won’t want to miss this insightful conversation.

In this episode of Inside Legal ESG, Lee Shankland-Gort, Partner and Head of ESG at Addleshaw Goddard, shares his career journey that led him to his current focus on ESG.  His role includes the ESG journey for the firm, as well as leading the team of lawyers advising clients on ESG.  You won’t want to miss this conversation, and his predictions for the future.

In this episode of Inside Legal ESG, I speak with Chris Cayley, Managing Director of Cyan Partners. We discuss how ESG is permeating recruiting practices in the legal space – both for law firms and for inhouse teams.  Will we reach a day when ESG is part of every practice area?  What gives Chris hope in this space? Listen in to learn more. 

In this episode of Inside Legal ESG, Pamela Cone speaks with Rob Karpati of Blended Capital Group. In this conversation, Rob shares his insights on the mining industry’s role in engaging in and  exhibiting best practices around ESG. You won’t want to miss this conversation.

In this episode of Inside Legal ESG, we hear from Anna Krotova and Jennifer Geary, co-authors of the just released book “How to be a Chief Sustainability Officer:  Leading the transition to a Sustainable Organization.”  In our conversation, they share what motivated them to write this book, what CSOs need to focus on, what the future holds, and of course, what gives them hope.  A great conversation you won’t want to miss! 

In this episode of Inside Legal ESG, Pamela Cone speaks with Shelly Gilberg, ESG Markets Leader at PWC Canada.  The conversation covers what is Top of Mind for Boards and Executive Teams; how ESG, Regulations, and Tech intersect; and what to expect as we move into 2025.   

During this episode of Inside Legal ESG, we hear from Sara Carnegie, Legal Director at the International Bar Association.  Her career path to her current position, her current work at the IBA, as well as her work on the “Gatekeepers’ Project” is impressive and encouraging.  You won’t want to miss this conversation. 

It was a great pleasure to record this podcast with David Alfrey, partner at Addleshaw Goddard.  We talked about his career and his passion for using the legal profession to influence the transition society needs. When you hear about some of his work / projects, you will understand why he is the recent recipient of the Legal ESG Professor Paul Watchman Young Lawyer Award.  So well-deserved. 

What a delight it was to chat with Annabel Nelson, an accomplished Sustainability Leader and Advisor in the Financial Services industry.  We discuss her career in the global insurance industry, what prompted her to focus on sustainability, and her recently research paper “Navigating Troubled Waters:  a briefing for director of financial institutions” published by CDP. You can listen here! 

Join us for this episode of Inside Legal ESG to hear my conversation with Carla Parsons, Senior Associate at Mills & Reeve in the UK. Carla practices in Commercial and ESG matters. She shares with us her take on hot topics in the ESG space and what is coming next. We also discuss the tremendous legacy of her late father, Professor Paul Watchman, considered by many to be the Godfather of the ESG mindset for lawyers.  You won’t want to miss this! 

In this episode of the Inside Legal ESG podcast series, our guest Jacquelyn MacLennan shares her background, her career at the European Union and with White & Case, focused in Human Rights and Environmental Law. She shares her insights on what is in store for ESG in 2025, and, finally, what gives her hope.  You can listen here:

In this episode of Inside Legal ESG, Pam speaks with Robert van Beemen of DRB Groep in the Netherlands.  In addition to his role at DRB Groep, Robert also serves as co-chair of the ESG subcommittee of the Law Practice Management Committee of the International Bar Association. In this conversation we discuss his observations around ESG in the legal profession, difficult choices in implementing ESG strategies within law firms, the political environment, and finally, what gives him hope, despite the headwinds in many parts of the world. 

In this episode of Inside Legal ESG, we speak with David Rodin, founder and CEO of Principia Advisory, based in Switzerland. 

Principia Adivsory is the leading consultancy for building ethical organizations.  Listen in to hear how David came to establish Principia, what he is seeing as the most pressing ethical challenges of the day, the role lawyers can/should play, and what gives him hope for the future.  You won’t want to miss this episode. 

In this episode of Inside Legal ESG, we are honored to talk with Julien Beaulieu, Doctoral Researcher, Lawyer and Economist.  We discuss what transpired throughout his career to get him to be a leading expert in greenwashing, competition law, climate litigation, and responsible business.  With the recent regulatory developments in Canada, we also discuss the intersection of various regulatory regimes, and he shares his predictions for 2025.  You won’t want to miss this conversation. 

What an incredible conversation with Dr. Shavana Haythornthwaite in this episode of the Inside Legal ESG podcast series. She has had an incredible global career, and has focused in all aspects of ESG, particularly Human Rights.  Her insights on ESG trends, and predictions for 2025 are of particular interest. Listen here:   

In this episode of Inside Legal ESG, Kristina Wyatt, Deputy General Counsel and Chief Sustainability Officer at Persefoni shares her career journey with us. We explore the variety of regulations throughout the EU, the UK, and how companies are garnering the resources to report.  She also shares with us a FREE tool which Persefoni offers, via their website, for companies to get started gathering and managing their GHG data.  You don’t want to miss this conversation. 

In this episode of Inside Legal ESG, Pamela Cone speaks with Matthew Karmel, lawyer with the law firm Offit Kurman, and founder of The Planetary Lawyer Project.  The conversation addresses how Matthew came to be a “sustainability lawyer” and what motivated him to form a community of lawyers seeking to focus on “planet aligned” work – The Planetary Lawyer Project.  You won’t want to miss this.   

And to learn more: 

Climate Law Job Statistics: https://mailchi.mp/f2966c8faf2a/eb8xwsgsna 

The Planetary Lawyer Project: https://theplanetarylawyerproject.substack.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-karmel-sustainability/ 

In this episode of Inside Legal ESG, host Pamela Cone speaks with Margo Fransen of Unilever, where she wears several hats:  General Counsel Sustainability, Global General Counsel Oral Care, and Head of Legal for the Netherlands.  She shares with us her passion for Sustainability, the challenges of working in this space in a global company, and, of course, what gives her hope. 

In this episode of Inside Legal ESG, Pamela Cone speaks with Sybille Raphael, Legal Director of Protect – the UK Whistleblowing Charity.  In this conversation, Sybille shares the role Protect plays in advising and consulting companies in establishing robust whistleblower programs, how technology is playing a role, the changing whistleblower topics, and, finally, what gives her hope.  If you enjoy this conversation, you will also want to listen to her TedX talk:  Hidden in Plain Sight:  Whistleblowing in the Digital Age!

Join us for this episode of Inside Legal ESG to hear from ESG lawyer in Costa Rica, Paola Fonseca.  She has 15 years of Inhouse ESG experience, and serves on the Board of Directors for GAIL- the Global Alliance of Impact Lawyers. She shares her insights on the state of ESG throughout the world, and the important role lawyers in advising clients re: the risks AND the opportunities.

In this episode of Inside Legal ESG, we hear from Rubinia Proli of the United Nations Global Compact, Senior Advisor on secondment from ENEL, an Italian energy company.  She shares with us the latest initiatives at the UNGC – such as the Legal Council, and the Fast Forward program – and ways for the legal profession to get involved. And finally – she shares what gives her hope. 

Ahead of Legal ESG Latin America this week, Pam Cone sits down with Maria Laura Farrapeira, General Counsel at AB Mauri in Latin America. She shares with us her journey to becoming General Counsel at a global company, her greatest ESG challenge, the role of lawyers in tacking sustainability, and what gives her hope for the future.  You won’t want to miss this conversation.

There is still time to confirm your place, and join us at Legal ESG Latin America: https://www.insidepractice.com/legal-esg-latam

In this episode of Inside Legal ESG, Ming Zee Tee, Environment and Climate Lawyer at A&O Shearman and co-Founder of Legal Voices for the Future, shares her career path that led her to focus on climate, and to start the LVF organization for passionate young lawyers to also do work in this area. Her work in co-founding Legal Voices for the Future had led her to be a finalist for the Legal ESG Professor Paul Watchman Young Lawyer of the Year Award – to be announced at the upcoming Legal ESG London event on 8-9 July. Listen to this episode to learn more about Ming Zee and about LVF!

In this episode of Inside Legal ESG, Pamela Cone speaks with Alexandra Holsgrove Jones of TLT. The discussion explores her current role as Knowledge and ESG Partner at TLT, as well as Alexandra’s thoughts on ESG challenges (and opportunities) in today’s complex, rapidly changing society.  And, of course, the conversation concludes with words of hope for us all.

In this episode of Inside Legal ESG, we are honored to have a conversation with Carla Parsons, Principal Associate at Mills Reeve. We discuss her career path, and the influence her father, Professor Paul Watchman, had on her career choice and her practice.  Carla also shares with our listeners the story behind the Legal ESG Award in honor of her father, the “Professor Paul Watchman Young Lawyer of the Year Award.”  Listen here.

In this episode of Inside Legal ESG, Pamela Cone speaks with Max Finney, Senior Sustainability Manager at Shoosmiths.  The conversation explores the current state of ESG for the legal profession, supply chain engagement, what’s next for continued progress, and what gives Max hope.  Listen here.

In this episode of Inside Legal ESG, Pamela Cone speaks with Ivy Lumia, CEO and Founder of Best in Governance (BIG), a firm specializing in providing modern, sustainable corporate governance and ESG solutions to transform, elevate and empower Boards of Directors and their teams.  She brings over 25 years’ experience to her work in advising clients.  You won’t want to miss this conversation.

In this episode of the Inside Legal ESG podcast series, Pam Cone speaks with Haley Czarnek, National Director of Law Students for Climate Accountability along with Martha Agudelo Cordoba, International Director of Law Students for Climate Accountability. They share why and when the organization was founded and give a highlight on their most recent research.

They will be sharing more about their most recent report at the upcoming Legal ESG Toronto event on May 7.  You can still register here:  https://www.insidepractice.com/legal-esg-toronto

In this episode of Inside Legal ESG, Pam Cone talks with Sara Magneli, ESG Counsel at Advokatfirman Cederquist, a law firm in Stockholm Sweden.  The conversation covers her career path to becoming ESG Counsel, the trends (and challenges) facing ESG lawyers and their client companies today, and, of course, what gives her hope in the face of ESG headwinds around the world. This is a great conversation you will not want to miss.

In this episode of the Inside Legal ESG podcast, we hear from Debra Sobel, Founder and Lead Consultant at The Purpose Hub. She shares her insights on communicating ESG with clarity, confidence, and consistency—critical to mitigating reputational risk and greenwashing claims. Debra predicts increased, more rigorous sustainability regulations and explains how organizations can stay ahead through transparent, purpose-driven communication. She also shares what gives her hope in this challenging era. You won’t want to miss this conversation.