The environmental team at Baker McKenzie LLP attracts a spread of multinationals from across key industries such as the oil and gas, renewables, pharmaceuticals, mining and industrial sectors seeking advice on regulatory compliance, enforcement and litigation. John Watson leads the practice from Chicago, developing compliance programs and sustainability initiatives for US and multinational companies alike. David Hackett, of the Chicago office, is a trusted advisor to nonprofits, major corporations and legal departments on US and international environmental risk and compliance, while over in San Francisco Mark Goodman handles product liability, risk mitigation and cross-border disputes. Colleen Baime, who joined the Chicago office from McDermott Will & Emery LLP in mid-2023, is also a key name.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Very strong.’
‘David Hackett is incredibly knowledgeable.’
Key clients
- UN Global Compact
- US Board
- Prince of Wales Charitable Foundation
- World Business Council for Sustainable Development
Work highlights
- Advised the World Business Council for Sustainable Development ("WBCSD"), on a variety of major environmental/sustainability projects with numerous Fortune 500 companies. Current projects include the ESG governance initiatives, soy sustainability standards, antitrust considerations in industry standards development, plastics programs and regulation, and sustainable finance.
- Serving as outside General Counsel handling all legal issues ranging from environment/sustainability to contracts, compliance, and governance, including advice related to the UNGC ownership role in developing content, standards and programs related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals ("SDGs").
- Assisting the Prince of Wales Charitable Foundation and its sustainability effort known as Accounting for Sustainability, in creating a US entity and assisting in its efforts to focus on public company CFOs and enhanced financial valuation of sustainability risks and opportunities.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
John W. Watson