Lawyers are uniquely placed to contribute to ESG. Law is such a powerful tool to effect change, and there is a fundamental belief in justice that underpins our approach to ESG and many of the pro bono causes that
we pursue.

But ESG at Fieldfisher is much broader than the special skills our lawyers can offer; all our staff have made a huge contribution over the last year, in talent, ideas, time and effort, and as a result of the enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit I've come to recognise as defining features of our firm.

ESG is so important to our people; staff surveys have told us that sustainability is the number one issue for our colleagues overall, but everyone has a cause that matters to them personally, and I'm so proud that the whole firm has shown a willingness to get behind ESG in
some way.

It's always so inspiring to see the initiatives people have come up with or are contributing to, and to celebrate these in our annual Just Purpose Awards.

It is genuinely uplifting seeing our people using their passion and skills for good.

It's difficult to wake up every morning and switch on the news without feeling a desire to change things for the better.

You only have to look at our work for the National Deaf Children's Society, our ongoing support for people affected by the conflict in Ukraine, and all the pro bono work to see that our people genuinely care.

Even though I am humbled by how much we've achieved, we are not complacent. There remains so much more we can do.

In 2024, we're excited to be centralising our ESG function as a core department within the firm. We are also embarking on new sustainability initiatives, as well as expanding on the success of our flagship Rooting for Change programme in the Indian subcontinent to support reforestation projects in other geographies.

Our expanded carbon footprint reporting has also shown us what work we have to do to reduce our emissions to net zero.

Last but by no means least, as a project that is particularly close to my heart,
we are looking forward to our next One Firm Action challenge for 2025.

Law is a powerful tool to effect change, and there is a fundamental belief in justice that underpins our approach to ESG.

Sustainability is the number one issue for our colleagues overall, but everyone has a cause that matters to them personally.

It is genuinely uplifting seeing our people using their passion and skills for good.