Event insights: What’s the state of law firm responsible business today?

Law firm responsible business leaders from across the UK legal sector came together in London for a collaborative forum focused on ESG in law firms, sustainability priorities and the practical realities of delivering impact. 

As expectations around ESG in law firms continue to rise, responsible business professionals are operating in an increasingly challenging environment. Against this backdrop, our recent members’ event, hosted at Simmons & Simmons’ CityPoint offices, provided a valuable opportunity for peers across the legal sector to step away from delivery mode and engage in honest, constructive discussion.

The event brought together responsible business, sustainability, DEI and ESG leads from member firms to explore shared challenges, exchange practical insights and strengthen the sense of collective progress that underpins effective law firm responsible business.

The opening keynote focused on key trends shaping law firm responsible business in 2026, drawing on findings from our annual member survey alongside new UK and US talent data.

One clear theme was growth. Responsible business teams have expanded, both in headcount and in strategic influence. Many firms reported increased internal expertise, more defined governance structures and greater clarity around priorities – particularly in relation to law firm sustainability and social impact.

The data also reflected a more cautious outlook. While most expect leadership commitment to responsible business to remain steady, there is less confidence that support will actively increase – particularly around DEI. This tension highlights the need for responsible business teams to continually demonstrate value, relevance and impact.

Rather than showcasing polished case studies, a series of workshop sessions created space for candid conversation about what is working, what feels stuck and where ESG in law firms would benefit from greater consistency and collaboration.

Participants chose from a range of workshops, ensuring exposure to different perspectives and challenges, while reinforcing a shared understanding of the pressures facing law firm responsible business teams.

While many law firms continue to publish annual, holistic responsible business reports, there was discussion about whether this approach serves its intended audiences. Attendees reflected on the competing demands of regulation, benchmarking, client expectations and storytelling. For many, the challenge is reporting in a way that is meaningful, current and credible.

Ideas explored included modular reporting, mid-year updates and more digital‑first approaches that allow firms to share progress without repeating content year after year. There was also strong alignment around shifting from activity‑based reporting towards clearer demonstration of impact – even where outcomes are still evolving.

Workshops on law firm sustainability highlighted the shared complexity of managing scope 3 emissions. Delegates discussed ongoing challenges around data quality, supplier engagement and aligning methodologies across firms and regions.

Many are still navigating how to work effectively with SME suppliers, technology vendors and travel partners. As a result, collaboration – both between law firms and across the wider professional services ecosystem – emerged as a recurring theme. 

Behaviour‑linked emissions such as travel and procurement were also discussed, with firms sharing approaches to incentives, guidance and cultural change. While progress is uneven, there was a clear appetite to move beyond measurement towards action that reduces environmental impact.

Responsible business teams are increasingly involved in conversations about AI governance, ethics and environmental impact, while the technology itself is still rapidly evolving. Participants discussed the commercial pressure to adopt AI tools and the need to ensure responsible use. Topics ranged from confidentiality, bias and explainability to the environmental footprint of AI data centres.

While some firms shared early examples of AI supporting responsible business functions – such as responding to client ESG questionnaires – most acknowledged that this is an area of uncertainty. There was recognition that client expectations around responsible AI use are likely to grow, placing ESG considerations firmly within future technology strategies.

Across discussions on engagement, DEI and wellbeing, a consistent challenge emerged: measuring impact in a way that resonates with leadership and drives decision‑making.

Firms shared practical examples of how embedding responsible business into everyday processes can improve engagement. Rather than launching new initiatives, many are now focusing on doing fewer things better, prioritising behaviour change and aligning responsible business with core talent and strategy.

Data remains central to this effort. While collecting meaningful DEI and wellbeing data is resource‑intensive, delegates emphasised its importance in supporting credible storytelling and long‑term cultural change.

The session on politics and responsible business acknowledged the increasingly complex external context in which law firms operate. With workplaces more closely connected to social and political discourse than ever before, ESG in law firms does not exist in a vacuum.

Discussions focused on the importance of clarity, authenticity and adaptable framing – particularly for international firms operating across differing political and cultural landscapes. Rather than reacting to individual events, delegates emphasised the value of strong foundational principles that guide decision‑making, communications and risk management.

There is a strong sense that law firm responsible business practices are maturing. Expectations are higher, scrutiny is greater and resources are under pressure – but so too is the depth of expertise and willingness to collaborate.

As Lamp House Strategy transitions into Chambers Responsible Business Intelligence, the focus on insight, impact and shared learning remains central. Events like this reinforce the value of bringing the industry together to collectively raise the bar for ESG in law firms and long-term law firm sustainability.

Our most recent annual report is available to download, containing the latest insights and inspiration for law firm ESG and people strategies. 

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