Showcasing our progress through our Responsible Business report

Shoosmiths has published its latest responsible business report, highlighting the firm’s dedication to evidence-led progress on our sustainability goals in line with the values that matter to our clients and our people.

Sophie Cowen, Head of Responsible Business, said: “We’re proud of the impact we’ve made this year, while recognising it’s just one step in a longer journey. Our Responsible Business Report shows our commitment to transparency as we deliver on our vision of a responsible business that enables a sustainable future for our clients, our people, and our communities.”

A few highlights include:

• 20% reduction in our overall carbon footprint since 2020, marking steady progress towards our Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) verified goals
• implementation of new governance and accountability structures to ensure clear oversight and embed sustainability throughout the firm
• launch of our Discover Placement & Race Equity Action Plan
• increased engagement with peers, clients and suppliers on delivering sector-wide impact on Responsible Business
• funding of free training on how to embed climate clauses in contracts by The Chancery Lane Project by the Shoosmiths Foundation.

Additionally, the report covers:

• our refreshed sustainability strategy is aimed at reducing the negative impact of our operations, whilst maximising the positive ones and how these learnings help to enable our clients in their own sustainability journeys
• our latest approach to DEI which focuses on our three pillars – accountability, community, and opportunity – through empowering our five employee networks: Balance, Embrace, Proud, Unique, and Mental Health & Wellbeing
• building supportive, progressive relationships with our suppliers through our newly established Legal Sustainability Alliance Sustainable Procurement Working Group and our first dedicated in-house Sustainability Procurement Advisor
• the several organisations we have partnered with to deliver on our Responsible Business agenda and leverage the wider legal and business network to drive meaningful and persistent change
• the set up of a new pro bono committee and announced the appointment of Amit Nayyar as Lead Partner for Pro Bono, to oversee and drive pro bono legal services at the firm.
• charities and initiatives supported by the Shoosmiths Foundation which has funded grants of over £284k since 2021.

Shoosmiths Chair Kirsten Hewson said: “We have spent the last year laying the foundation for achieving our sustainability vision through the creation of governance and accountability structures, new policies and procedures and a refreshed sustainability strategy that is intended to guide us to net zero and increased social impact.

“We’re proud of the progress we’ve made this year, however we see this as part of the journey and not the destination, we are delivering on our client, people, supplier and community’s expectations to create a truly responsible law firm.”

Read the full report here.