Combining ‘deep legal and regulatory expertise, strong technical understanding, and a highly collaborative approach’, Linklaters LLP is a key port of call for leading global clients across sectors including energy and resources, consumer goods, and banking and finance. Rachel Barrett heads the team and regularly acts for financial institutions and energy and natural resources sector clients in navigating ESG and sustainability regulation, risks, and disclosure requirements. On ESG regulatory scope, obligations, and strategy matters within the banking and finance space, Raza Naeem is a key contact. Pairing ’sound judgment with a calm, solutions-focused approach’, Iyesogie Igiehon brings significant knowledge regarding ESG strategies and compliance obligations. ESG and climate doyenne Vanessa Havard-Williams departed her role as a consultant in May 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Linklaters brings deep legal and regulatory expertise, strong technical understanding, and a highly collaborative approach across sectors and jurisdictions. They are particularly effective at identifying emerging risks and providing clear, actionable advice on complex ESG and environmental issues.'
‘The individuals at Linklaters are technically strong, clear in their advice, and highly collaborative - qualities that make them effective and reliable partners.'
- 'Iyesogie Igiehon, in particular, stands out as a promising associate, and is committed to defending her clients’ interests. She combines sound judgment with a calm, solutions-focused approach. I especially value her ability to adapt and iterate her advice as our needs evolve, always with patience and flexibility.’
- 'Insightful, deep knowledge of ESG practice and all matters relating to sustainability. The Linklaters Team have been instrumental in advising and assisting us with developing frameworks on ESG, anti-greenwashing. The Team have also lent their expertise in advising on CSRD, CSDDD and the Omnibus Simplification package which have been very helpful for foreign clients in planning our business activities and matters whilst anticipating the resulting changes to reduce disruptions to our business activities.'
Key clients
- Barclays
- CPP Investments
- INEOS
- A multinational industrial group
Work highlights
Advising Barclays as their dedicated ESG counsel on a wide variety of ESG-related matters including new ESG regulation, ESG and climate disclosures, ESG-related risks, sustainable finance, and the implementation of their ESG strategy.
Advising CPP Investments as their dedicated ESG counsel on a wide range of topics, including the changing sustainability disclosure landscape and greenwashing.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Rachel Barrett
Other key lawyers
Raza Naeem; Iyesogie Igiehon