Linklaters LLP trains its senior lawyers to provide comprehensive ESG services across all practice areas via its ESG Accelerator programme in collaboration with the University of Oxford. The broad spectrum of advice includes sustainable finance, transactions in the green economy, and  renewables and new energy technology matters, as well as niche expertise in carbon market issues. The firm also acts for a number of clients as ESG counsel, helping them with their climate change strategy and governance.

A current highlight demonstrates the team’s engagement at the forefront of the growing green energy market in the UK: its advice to SSE Renewables and Equinor on the construction, development and financing of phase C of the Dogger Bank Wind Farm. Upon completion this is set to be the largest offshore wind farm in the world.

Another core area of expertise is in green bonds where the firm has been involved in some ground-breaking issuances. These include advising the managers on the European Commission’s  €12 bn debut NextGenerationEU green bond, which represents the world’s largest green bond issuance to date. The firm also acted for HSBC and other managers in connection with the £10bn Green Gilt, the largest sovereign green bond on record.

Matt Sparkes is global head of sustainability and as such seeks to ensure the firm’s ESG performance is reflective of its counsel.  He also co-chairs the Legal Sustainability Alliance, of which the firm is an active member. Vanessa Havard-Williams, who is global head of environment and climate change, and Rachel Barrett, who is a member of that practice, coordinate ESG efforts across the firm keeping it on track to achieving its UN Global Compact commitments, including the goal to reduce scope 1 and 2 emissions by 70% and scope 3 emissions by 50% by 2030.