Ropes and Gray LLP’s US ESG team offers a diverse mix of green expertise reaching far beyond environmental compliance to a hybrid practice including traditional legal as well business consulting advice. Its client roster spans all major industries, with the team regularly advising on environmental sustainability governance at the board level.

A New-York based team represented The Nature Conservancy in its partnership with the government of Belize to protect Belize’s marine habitats through the issuance of blue bonds. The transaction generated $180m for marine conservation efforts, marking the world’s largest sovereign debt restructuring for marine conservation to date.

Global head of ESG Michael Littenberg in New York is a go-to lawyer when it comes to supporting clients with their long-term business sustainability strategies, identifying and managing climate risks and opportunities. Clients include a large global automotive company and a large US-based global retailer. Littenberg also advises multinational companies on policies and procedures to address deforestation.

Particularly clients navigating differing state-level laws benefit from the firm tracking up-to-date ESG legislation across the country. Bloomberg utilises this research as part of its ongoing coverage of the matter. Furthermore, lawyers regularly contribute to articles on the most pressing ESG issues in the country, such as the new climate-related disclosures and targets.

Seven of the firm’s US offices have received LEED certification from the US Green Building Counsel; this includes the Chicago office which is the world’s first LEED Core & Shell Gold Certified building. The firm also has a demonstrable pro bono commitment when it comes to green issues, having partnered with both global and local environmental organizations including the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, Blue Finance, and Green Pro Bono. It is also a participant in Stanford Law School’s Lawyers for a Sustainable Economy.