Linklaters LLP is an ESG powerhouse with extensive capabilities in environmental matters, human rights, governance, risk management, sustainable finance and crisis management. Vanessa Havard-Williams oversees the practice and is highly regarded for her ESG-related expertise. Rachel Barrett is another name to note for her knowledge of sustainability issues. Other prominent team members include Raza Naeem, who is a key contact for regulatory matters involving derivatives; Alexandra Beidas, who is regularly relied on by global corporations and financial institutions for her ESG expertise; and Aileen Buchanan, who specialises in disclosure and reporting requirements.

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Key clients

  • National Grid
  • Barclays Bank PLC

Work highlights

  • Advising a global financial institution on the development of its first climate transition plan.
  • Advising National Grid and its board on a range of climate-related matters.
  • Advising Barclays, as ESG counsel, on a wide variety of ESG-related matters, including new ESG regulation, ESG and climate disclosures, ESG-related risks, sustainable finance, and the implementation of their ESG strategy.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Vanessa Havard-Williams

Other key lawyers

Rachel Barrett, Alexandra Beidas, Tom Cassels, Aileen Buchanan, Raza Naeem