Event Report

The Legal 500 was delighted to be coming to Dublin for our latest Global Green Guide event. The two-panel discussions featured in-depth and expert analysis from a variety of industry insiders, with particular emphasis on matters relating to the green transition and other sustainability-related matters.

The Legal 500 was represented by Chris Vlachopoulos, Research Editor, as well as Charlotte Bunce, Business Development Manager, who were both overjoyed to be discussing important trends with distinguished in-house counsel, as well as the eminent experts at Matheson, who kindly sponsored this event.

Chris Vlachopoulos delivered the opening remarks, and was then followed by Richard Kelly, Parther, Matheson. Both speakers spoke about the opportunities the green transition represents, as well as the exciting prospects for GCs and other in-house counsel to contribute to aspects relating to the green transition within their respective organisations in new and interesting ways.

Garret Farrelly, Chair of ESG Advisory Group at Matheson moderated the first panel, which explored how the green transition can be accelerated through corporate sustainability due diligence and cooperation. Speakers included Bill Senior, Operations Director at Power Capital Renewable Energy, Garrett Quinn, Group Chief Sustainability Officer at Smurfit Kappa Group p.l.c., and Simon Welch, Head of Legal, Sustainability from Credit Suisse AG. The discussion also covered whether lawyers have to shift their focus from minimizing risks to promoting sustainability.

Nicola Dunleavy, Partner at Matheson, moderated the second panel, which focused on managing ESG reputational risks and crisis management. Nicola was joined by Gerard Howlin, Public Affairs Consultant at MKC Communications, Conor Keeling, Sustainability Legal team at Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c., and Dr John MacNamara, Corporate Sustainability Lead at Bord na Móna. The panel impressed the audience not only with their expertise, but also with the direct and relatable conversation around these important matters.

Susanne McMenamin, Partner at Matheson, delivered the closing remarks. The evening concluded with a reception, giving panelists and participants a chance to continue the conversation and network.

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