About

Many businesses are increasingly embracing responsible commercial practices, including a focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues for a sustainable future. As market, social, economic and political changes accelerate ESG and sustainability concerns, clients face a rapidly evolving reporting and regulatory landscape that differs significantly across jurisdictions and industries. We help companies, financial institutions, sovereigns, investors and other stakeholders navigate ESG and sustainability issues and seize opportunities while maximizing their long-term economic stability and growth.

Environmental

More and more transactions and disputes involve complex environmental issues and compliance requirements. Our international teams of environmental lawyers guide clients in navigating international, national and local environmental regulations relevant to their operations. We also bring a deep bench of expertise in climate change disputes.

We are at the forefront of energy transition, supporting clients as they face increasing demands to clarify the implications of energy transition for their operations and business models. Clients come to us for our ability to deliver sound legal advice when investing in both traditional core renewable assets and in newer technologies such as carbon capture, battery storage and hydrogen. Successful investment in such assets requires advice from lawyers who have in-depth knowledge of the assets, regulations and local markets. Our lawyers have significant experience in monetization projects, corporate venturing and investments into transition assets, renewable energy project development and financing; SDG securitizations, green bonds and finance with ESG requirements; energy/environmental-related litigation; and the development of new technologies.

Issuers, arrangers, sovereigns, investors and others are raising capital and making investments through sustainable finance arrangements, including green bonds offerings. Our Capital Markets and Debt Finance teams devise innovative structures to finance capital sustainably.

Social

Over the past several years, there has been a dramatic transformation of the legal and reputational risks associated with business impacts on human rights. We advise and support our clients to prepare for, act and respond to these changes, including risk management, due diligence, policies and procedures, investment structures, social assessments, reporting, and grievance and remediation mechanisms. With an increasing volume and complexity of proxy resolutions and claims related to human rights, diversity and inclusiveness and human capital issues, and evolving and sensitive disclosure requirements, we help clients manage the mounting pressure for transparency and responsibility in their operations and international supply chains.

Governance

Companies, boards and investors need to implement strategically aligned ESG reporting and disclosures. Our support allows public company boards to meet ESG oversight expectations and mandates of regulators, institutional investors and markets. We are experienced in deploying optimal, market-specific approaches to adopting various international and sector-specific standards, frameworks and initiatives (e.g., UN Guiding Principles, OECD Guidelines, Sustainable Development Goals, CDP, GRI, PRI, SASB, TCFD, UNGC).

Our ESG and Sustainability Insights

Alert

15 January 2024

Key developments in corporate governance

Article

08 January 2024

Why nature’s future underpins the future of business

One year on from The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework: Legal perspectives

Insight

08 January 2024

Financial Times Moral Money Forum reports, in partnership with White & Case

Alert

18 December 2023

The new guidelines on cooperation in the agri-food sector show a more pragmatic approach to sustainability agreements under EU competition law

Alert

08 December 2023

Funding the energy transition: the role of Islamic finance

Alert

05 December 2023

EU Commission releases further guidance on CBAM implementation

Alert

28 November 2023

Preparing for Canada’s New Anti-Forced Labour Supply Chain Law

Alert

08 November 2023

Eight things to know about the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures

View all ESG and Sustainability publications

Global Antitrust Sustainability Map

Sustainability Map

Sustainability is high on the agenda of business and regulatory authorities around the world. A growing number of jurisdictions are beginning to adopt specific competition law policy and guidance to promote sustainability goals (including more broadly ESG).

Our story

As a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact, White & Case recognizes that like our clients, we are also on an ESG journey. We are continually improving our ESG performance across our global network of offices and supply chain. We have a long history of pro bono projects, volunteer programs, charitable contributions and responsible business practices. Since launching our own Green Initiative ten years ago, our environmental sustainability efforts have reduced our greenhouse gas emissions by approximately one-third.

Learn more about our initiatives

See our 2023 Environmental Sustainability Report

Read our Global Citizenship Review

Awards & Recognition

"Most innovative law firm" for "social justice and rule of law"
FT North America win based on our "commitment both to clients' evolving needs and making a social impact."

#1 legal advisor for shareholder and public company activism
Recognition for our work helping companies and shareholders in connection with ESG, sustainability and other shareholder and stakeholder issues.

Most diverse Top 50 US law firm
First among Am Law 50 firms in The American Lawyer magazine's survey of law firm minority lawyers and partners.

"Green Bond of the Year"
Environmental Finance named a transaction on which global law firm White & Case LLP advised "Green bond of the year" at the 2021 Environmental Finance Bond Awards. The awards "celebrate the leading green, social and sustainability bond deals and leading market participants," according to Environmental Finance. Winners were selected by a panel of judges from among major green bond investors.