Placeholder for loading
Legal TF Press Release
Press release from the SMI 14 March 2023

Sustainable Markets Initiative launches Legal Task Force to accelerate action on climate change and nature recovery

Task Force aims to boost contribution of legal professionals in addressing sustainability efforts and help to accelerate the path to net zero

London, England: The Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) announced today the launch of its Legal Task Force, where leaders from global law firms have come together to advance efforts on climate change and sustainability.

Chaired by James Libson, Managing Partner, Mishcon de Reya, the task force aims to amplify the contribution of lawyers and other legal professionals in using the law to effect sustainable solutions, building momentum for a positive impact.

The founding members are:

  • James Libson, Managing Partner, Mishcon de Reya and Chair of the Sustainable Markets Initiative Legal Task Force

  • Adrian Cartwright, Senior Partner and chair of the Partnership Council, Clifford Chance

  • Shane Gleghorn, Global Co-Chair, Taylor Wessing

  • Paul Jenkins, Global CEO, Ashurst

  • Simon Levine, Global Co-CEO and International Managing Partner, DLA Piper

  • Andrew Masraf, Senior Partner, Pinsent Masons

The Task Force aligns itself with the Terra Carta, which provides a practical roadmap for acceleration towards an ambitious and sustainable future - one that will harness the power of Nature combined with the transformative power, innovation and resources of the private sector.

James Libson, Managing Partner at Mishcon de Reya and Chair of the Sustainable Markets Initiative Legal Task Force commented: "Legal professionals have a unique ability to enable the much-needed acceleration of the transition to sustainable business and living. We have a critical role to play.

That is why I am immensely proud to announce the creation of the Sustainable Markets Initiative Legal Task Force, a coordinated private sector effort comprising leaders of several other leading law firms who share a commitment to using the power of the law to drive change and support the creation of an enabling environment that incentivises action.

Our goal is to apply the collective legal expertise we have gained from representing the widest variety of clients to bring about positive, practical change. Through close collaboration, we will seek to support Nature, People and the Planet and address climate change and biodiversity loss."

View the full PDF press release here

Learn more about the Legal Task Force here