Slaughter and May is regularly entrusted for its deep, commercial advice across the ESG spectrum. David Watkins, who heads the sustainability practice, is a key contact on risk, governance, and compliance matters concerning net zero and transition planning. Harry Hecht is highly sought-after for strategic and commercial advice regarding sustainability, human rights, and climate change regulation and strategies. On critical human rights governance and risk management matters, Moira Thompson Oliver is a key contact. Repeatedly instructed by clients for her ‘in-depth expertise and excellence’, Samantha Brady is a notable contact within the energy and infrastructure space on risk management, reporting, and disclosure obligations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team is extremely responsive. The depth and breadth of their expertise and experience collectively makes them stand out, as well as their strength in championing a better way of doing business in order to drive positive impact.'
‘The individuals proactively provide expert advice and guidance that is tailored not only to the industry but also the business. This is shared and explained clearly and is set in the context of changing legislation and the national and global landscape.’
- ‘Great people and expertise able to answer questions in a good business context and relevant way to achieve our goals.'
- ‘The team is knowledgeable and pragmatic, being able to suggest or interpret potentially ambiguous queries.’
‘ESG is a highly technical and developing area which requires depth of knowledge and an ability to explain the implications to people of all levels and abilities. Slaughter and May do that in spades.’
‘Samantha Brady has advised us on our annual Sustainability Report and other ESG disclosures, and we go back to her year after year for her in-depth expertise and excellence in guiding us through upcoming changes and challenges.’
Key clients
- Legal & General Group plc
- DS Smith plc
- Rolls-Royce Holdings plc
- Reckitt Benckiser Group plc
- Whitbread Group plc
- Asda Stores Ltd
- Burberry Group plc
- Standard Chartered plc
- United Utilities Water Limited and United Utilities Group plc
- United Kingdom Infrastructure Bank
- John Swire & Sons Ltd
- EG Group Ltd
Work highlights
Advised Legal & General Group on the governance structure and investment stewardship practices, including in respect of sustainability, human rights and climate change impacts, of Legal & General Investment Management.
Advised DS Smith plc on its Net Zero Transition Plan 2024 and alignment with the Transition Plan Taskforce’s Disclosure Framework.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Moira Thompson Oliver
Practice head
David Watkins
Other key lawyers
Harry Hecht; Moira Thompson Oliver; Samantha Brady