I am delighted to share the 2025 LSA Annual Report with you, which, as you will see, highlights what an incredibly busy year it has been. The LSA has seen unprecedented levels of activity and engagement across the network.
2025 has been a challenging year. At times, progress made since the Paris Agreement towards tackling climate change has felt under threat, and yet member firms continue to demonstrate their commitment to meaningful and substantive action.
The Annual Report reflects the breadth of the network's achievements – from expanding our events programme and strengthening our partnerships, to developing new resources and tools. It also showcases many of the impressive success stories from firms across the network.
Collating this report has highlighted both the importance of the LSA in offering cross-sector support, but also the impressive commitment of you, the member firms. In fact, as the LSA's Honorary President Matt Sparkes recently pointed out: "Leaders in the sector have emerged that we didn’t know we had, and this has led to progress we never thought possible." So thank you for all your support and hard work. The secretariat wants to ensure that we continue to deliver the services and resources our members need in 2026 and beyond. To help us do this, please take a few minutes (less than 5!) to complete our survey and tell us what you think we should focus on in the months to come.
The secretariat team will be taking a break from the 22nd December to the 5th January.
We wish you a Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. Amanda Carpenter
LSA Secretariat
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Bulletin highlights: - The LSA Annual Report
- The LSA survey – please complete!
- Pledges for the ocean
- Introducing our new charity partner
- Goodbye to Camilla Haycock, Networks Manager
- Last chance to take advantage of the early bird renewal discount
- Ask the Alliance – network support
- Member news
- Events
- Sustainability dates for your diary
Please encourage everyone in your firm to sign up for this bulletin here. |
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From CSRD to AI, Ecocide Law to Ocean the LSA has explored the topics that we think are relevant to law firms, supporting them in understanding their role in addressing the climate crisis. An overview of our activity offers the chance to reflect on the year and understand how we can deliver better value for money and maximise the impact of our work. Please read the report via the button below, and share it throughout your firms. We hope it will give colleagues insight into what is on offer and how they can engage. |
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Please complete the LSA survey, and encourage as many colleagues as possible to do the same. This will help us understand how we can best support member firms in 2026. |
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When concluding the private screening of Ocean with David Attenborough, postcards were handed out with a simple question: What will YOU do to support our oceans? Over 80 came back. What stands out wasn't just the number – it was the specificity. These weren't vague promises to "be more sustainable." The audience pledged concrete commitments: timelines, measurements, and real accountability. From personal behaviour to professional undertakings, political pressure to direct action – pledges representing thousands of meals sourced differently, hundreds of pro bono hours offered, dozens of letters to MPs, firms restructuring their investment analysis, and countless conversations extending awareness. Individually, these actions seem small. Collectively, they represent the legal profession beginning to deploy its unique leverage toward ocean protection. Find out more, and discover how you can help protect the ocean in this blog. |
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The LSA is thrilled to announce that our new charity partner for 2026 will be the Blue Marine Foundation. Blue Marine is dedicated to addressing overfishing, one of the world’s biggest environmental problems, and aims to restore the ocean to health by protecting and restoring marine environments. Its mission is to ensure the effective protection of at least 30 per cent of the ocean by 2030 and the sustainable management of the whole ocean.
The LSA network can support Blue Marine by raising awareness, fundraising activities and pro bono work. Please get in touch if you think you can help with this endeavour, and consider signing up for the Ride for Blue fundraising events below.
London to Sussex (15 September 2026) is a one-day ride, featuring some of the most charming cycling routes in the UK. The ride will finish by cycling along the coast, home of Blue's Sussex Kelp Recovery Project in the south coast.
Ride to Monaco (20-22 September 2026) starts from Gap in the southwest of France and finishes – three fantastic days later – in Monaco on the eve of the Monaco Yacht Show. The ride will accommodate the daring and the diffident, either going up or around the mountains. The team will be well looked after by Just Pedal and event partners, with ride leaders, support and mechanic cars, physios, caterers, pop-up coffee stops, photography and videography, a Monaco Street after party, and tickets to the Monaco Yacht Show.
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As many of you are aware, Camilla Haycock is leaving the LSA to enjoy her well-earned retirement. We would like to thank her for her commitment and hard work. During her time as manager of the LSA, the network has grown in both ambition and scope. We will miss her and hope she will stay in touch, between creating an enviable garden, volunteering at her local wetlands, and lending her excellent singing voice to the choir.
We are delighted that Asia Mill, a recruitment and operations specialist with over a decade of experience working in highly regulated industries, including finance, defence, and technology, is taking over the role of Networks Manager. She has been shadowing Camilla for the last quarter, learning the ropes. Many of you will already have met Asia, and we know you will join us in welcoming her to the community. |
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Renewing your LSA membership for 2026 reaffirms your commitment to credible and collaborative climate action and ensures continued access to the LSA's programme of resources, events, and network guidance designed to empower and equip colleagues to tackle the climate and nature crises.
Commit to 2026 membership before the 15th December 2025 and get 10% off your fee. Just let us know that you're definitely renewing, and we will send you a reduced invoice in January. |
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Ask The Alliance – Network Support |
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On behalf of the LSA, we would like to thank all those who have generously given their time to help colleagues since our last bulletin.
This month, we have a new query that you may be able to help with:
We currently include the cost of Practising Certificates within our education spend. This falls under Scope 3 emissions, over which we have no direct ability to reduce emissions or influence the SRA.
I also understand that the associated emissions are estimated quite crudely based on the cost of the certificates, which results in a relatively large figure (in both emissions and financial terms) – particularly for larger firms. Are other firms encountering similar challenges with this?
Please email any thoughts, recommendations, or advice to Asia at manager@legalsustainabilityalliance.com.
Keep these questions coming in – the LSA’s strength lies in the collective knowledge of our network, and by working together and sharing best practice, we can achieve even greater impact.
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Please get in touch via comms@legalsustainabilityalliance.com with your stories so that we can feature them here. |
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| | Hogan Lovells and ELF, with input from Love Our Ouse, have released a new practical guide on the Rights of Rivers. Aimed at local communities and councils, it explains how rivers can be recognised as having legal rights to exist, flow, regenerate, and remain free from pollution. The guide outlines practical steps for local authorities, showcases leading examples from councils such as Lewes, Basingstoke, and Test Valley, and explores how rivers can be represented in local decision-making. |
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| | Freeths has opened a BREEAM Excellent–rated office in Milton Keynes, reinforcing its B Corp commitment to sustainability. The space features smart energy systems, recycled and carbon-negative materials, and green transport facilities, reflecting the firm’s focus on low-carbon, responsible operations. |
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| | Shoosmiths has achieved zero operational emissions by purchasing biochar credits from Cambodia. The project converts rice husks into biochar, storing carbon in soil for centuries and supporting local farmers. Shoosmiths prioritised permanent, traceable carbon removals over traditional offsets as part of its net-zero 2040 plan. |
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| | Clyde & Co is securing carbon removal credits through a five-year deal with Nature Broking, covering 10,000 tonnes of emissions annually from 2038. Credits come from UK woodland, rewilding, and technology-based projects. Treated as balance-sheet assets and fully insured, this approach allows the firm to invest at scale without affecting short-term profits. The strategy complements Clyde & Co’s net-zero target by 2038. |
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| | Taylor Wessing reopens its London HQ following an 18-month sustainable refurbishment. Key outcomes include: 56% lower carbon emissions than a new build, 50% greater energy efficiency, air-source heat pumps, 100% renewable electricity, WELL Platinum pre-certification and a rooftop pollinator garden. |
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Welcome to New LSA Members |
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We are delighted to welcome a number of new LSA members over the last six months:
Beale & Co – International construction and insurance law specialists based in London, and with offices in Bristol, Dublin, Dubai, Glasgow, and Toronto Boodle Hatfield – Legacy experts with offices in London and Oxford Capital Law – A full-service law firm based in Cardiff, with over 200 employees Carpenters Group – Leading national personal injury law firm with offices across the northwest, Glasgow, and Haywards Heath CIPA – Professional and examining body for patent attorneys in the UK, the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys is based in London Greenwoods – They have existed in various guises since 1784 and are proud to claim four past Law Society Presidents and to have drawn up the laws of Rugby Union! They have offices in London, Cambridge, and Peterborough JMW Solicitors – A full-service law firm based in Manchester, London, and Liverpool Morton Fraser MacRoberts – Headquartered in Edinburgh, Morton Fraser MacRoberts were the first Scottish law firm to take advantage of the LSA partnership with the Law Society of Scotland, which offers a discount membership fee Thrings – Thrings have 350+ staff over nine offices in the south of England |
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What Talent Wants: How Responsible Business Shapes Engagement and Retention |
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Date: 21st January 2026
Time: 8.30–10am
Location: Bird & Bird, 12 New Fetter Ln, London EC4A 1JP
Drawing on research* from more than 2,000 UK trainees and associates, this session offers a fresh, data-rich perspective on what motivates the next generation of legal talent. We are joined by Lamp House Strategy to explore which levers law firms can pull to attract, engage, and retain their workforce, and the link to the responsible business agenda.
*Data sourced by Chambers & Partners Talent Research, Leading Teams |
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The Launch of the LSA's New Guide to Sustainable Procurement |
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Date: 5th February 2026
Time: 12.30–1.30pm
Location: Online
This session marks the launch of the LSA's new guide to sustainable procurement - Putting the Sustainable into Procurement – A Practical Guide for Law Firms. Addressing one of the most significant sources of emissions and responsible business risks for law firms – the supply chain – the guide provides a clear, practical resource for firms seeking to embed sustainability into procurement decisions and supplier management.
Embedding ESG into procurement helps to manage risk, meet stakeholder expectations, reduce Scope 3 emissions, stimulate innovation, support diverse and ethical suppliers, and create measurable value for clients and communities.
Members of the working group will lead a presentation, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A session facilitated by Amanda Carpenter, CEO of Achill Legal. The panel will feature:
Max Finney, Senior Sustainability Manager, Shoosmiths
Mary Lavin, Senior Manager, Sustainability and Reporting, Osborne Clarke
Dan Noakes, Head of Responsible Business, Bird & Bird |
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Your Carbon Impact: Measure It to Manage It
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Date: 27th January 2026
Time: 12.30-1.30pm
Location: Online
Brought to you by Greener Litigation Pledge, which is supported by the Legal Sustainability Alliance, this practical session will cover: - Why counting your carbon matters – from client expectations to regulatory pressures and competitive advantage.
- Getting started – the core principles of carbon measurement for professional services and what a first-year footprint typically looks like.
- The data – understanding what you need, where to look for it and how to gather it efficiently.
- Ways to measure your emissions – tools and methodologies.
- From insight to action – using your footprint to identify hotspots and prioritise reductions.
Whether you're starting out, or refining your approach, this session will give you the clarity and confidence to begin managing your organisation’s carbon impact. Speakers:
Jim Haywood, Managing Director, Woodman Farrow Ltd.
Amanda Carpenter, CEO, Achill Legal |
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Sustainability Dates for Your Diary |
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Veganuary – 01.01.26 - 31.01.26
A month-long global campaign encouraging people to try a vegan diet, reducing food-related carbon footprint. Big Schools Birdwatch – 06.01.26 - 13.02.26
UK-based survey engaging schools and communities in watching bird life, raising biodiversity awareness. Big Energy Saving Week – 17.01.26 - 23.01.26
UK campaign week dedicated to raising awareness about energy efficiency and reducing consumption. International Day of Clean Energy – 26.01.26
Celebrates the transition to renewable and low‑carbon energy sources, raising awareness of clean energy solutions and innovations worldwide. World Wetlands Day – 02.02.26
Global day to raise awareness of the vital role wetlands play for biodiversity, water filtration, climate resilience and human wellbeing. International Day of Forests – 21.03.26
A UN observance highlighting the importance of all types of forests for climate regulation, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. Global Recycling Day – 18.03.26
Focuses on the role of recycling in a circular economy, resource efficiency and carbon reduction. World Water Day – 22.03.26
Raises global awareness of freshwater resources, access to safe water and the sustainable management of water for people and planet. International Day of Zero Waste – 30.03.26
Highlights the importance of reducing waste and promoting sustainable waste management and circular economy initiatives. The Great British Spring Clean – 20.03.26 - 05.04.26
UK national campaign from Keep Britain Tidy encouraging litterpicks and community cleanup activity. |
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Sometimes we record our events, which you can watch via the resource library on our website.- Understanding Ecocide Law – Why businesses and law firms should engage – A webinar taking a deep dive into Ecocide Law and what it means for law firms and their clients
- LSA’s Guide to Business Travel – A webinar launching the LSA’s new guide to business travel, with members of the working group who worked on the publication
- LSA’s Guide to TCFD – A webinar launching the LSA’s new guide to TCFD, with members of the working group who worked on the publication
- Introducing the LSA Academy – A webinar launching the LSA Academy – designed to meet the growing demand for sustainability skills across our membership organisations, while leveraging apprenticeship levy funding
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