Law Society launches climate change guidance for in-house solicitors

The guidance, launched on Monday (3 August), is intended to support in-house legal teams in applying the Law Society's 2023 guidance on solicitors' professional duties in the context of climate change.

According to the Law Society, the new guide explains how climate change engages in-house solicitors' core professional duties and identifies where climate-related legal risks may arise in day-to-day practice, including regulatory compliance, disclosure obligations, contracts, corporate governance, greenwashing and litigation exposure.

It also includes a practical checklist designed to help legal teams embed climate considerations into their legal advice, contracts, policies and reporting processes.

Law Society president Mark Evans said: "Climate change is reshaping the legal landscape, and reducing carbon emissions is part of responsible legal practice.”

Evans said Chancey Lane wanted to help in-house solicitors understand what this means for their organisation and those they advise and the steps that can be taken to reduce environmental impact in a practical and proportionate way.

He added: "The embedded nature of the in-house solicitor creates unique challenges and opportunities. Unlike external advisers, in-house counsel must navigate climate risks within the organisations they serve directly. They must balance legal duties against institutional pressures or business needs.

"This guide is designed to help busy in-house solicitors identify where climate risk intersects with their existing responsibilities."

Adam Carey