Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG)
Legal strategy and regulatory guidance for ESG programs, disclosures, certifications, and governance best practices.
Holistic ESG Counsel for a Shifting Global Landscape
At Sydney Legal PC, we take a holistic and proactive approach to guide clients through the evolving ESG landscape. Our innovative team of lawyers closely monitors regulatory developments, market trends, investor expectations, and stakeholder demands to help clients identify risks, seize opportunities, and maintain compliance across all ESG dimensions.
ESG Practice Areas
Our ESG practice is comprised of seasoned professionals in corporate law, international development, human rights and environmental regulation, bringing deep expertise in legal, operational, and regulatory challenges. We ensure that clients are fully equipped to address evolving ESG considerations effectively and strategically.
ESG for Public Companies
Our ESG team provides counsel on disclosure requirements and best practices related to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, including evolving mandatory and voluntary disclosure standards. We advise boards on ESG oversight responsibilities and offer guidance on navigating the risks and opportunities tied to ESG performance.
Our expertise covers global ESG disclosure frameworks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). We assist with ESG due diligence, regulatory updates, investor relations, activism response, and the development and implementation of ESG policies.
ESG for Private Companies & Investment Firms
For Private Companies, Private Equity, and Venture Capital, Sydney Legal PC advises ESG risk assessment, reporting, and compliance frameworks, including The European Union's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP BHR), the UN Global Compact Ten Principles and Communication on Progress (COP), GRI, SASB, and TCFD.
We assist with ESG-related disclosures in private offering materials, conduct ESG due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and investments, and advise on fund formation and monitoring ESG performance.
Social Impact & Workplace Culture
Sydney Legal PC works closely with clients to assess the social and environmental impact of their business decisions. We offer tailored advice on developing, implementing, and maintaining ESG initiatives, including supplier diversity programs—and conduct audits and assessments of workplace culture.
We also design professional development training programs and help set measurable ESG goals. Our team mitigates legal risks at every stage, providing practical tools and strategies to foster inclusive, sustainable workplace environments. This includes developing comprehensive data privacy and security policies to manage regulatory compliance and safeguard sensitive information.
B Corporation Certification & Governance
We provide comprehensive guidance on B Corporation certification and governance, supporting clients through the B Lab certification process to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental responsibility, transparency, and accountability.
Additionally, we assist with the formation and governance of Benefit Corporations to align legal structures with mission-driven business goals.
Environmental Compliance & Risk Management
Our firm partners with clients to ensure proactive compliance and effective management of environmental risks—including climate change, emissions, greenhouse gases, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), and supply chain sustainability.
We assist with regulatory compliance, permitting, liability allocation, and property rights, advising on strategic investments in technologies and projects that advance sustainability objectives.
Corporate Governance
Sydney Legal PC provides comprehensive counsel to both publicly listed and privately held companies across a wide range of corporate governance matters. We invest time in understanding each client’s business model, industry dynamics, and strategic goals, allowing us to deliver tailored legal guidance that aligns with their unique governance needs.
We Offer Comprehensive Legal Services for all Corporate Governance Needs
Board and Committee Advisory
We assist boards and executive teams in meeting independence and regulatory standards, advising on the structure, composition, and responsibilities of boards and their committees. This includes guidance on board committee roles, director’s qualifications, and executive compensation frameworks.
Fiduciary Duty and Oversight
Our team advise directors and officers on fulfilling their fiduciary duties in complex transactions, such as mergers, acquisitions, and financing deals. We provide practical insights into oversight responsibilities and help mitigate potential liabilities linked to governance oversight.
Insider Trading Compliance
Sydney Legal PC advises clients on creating and enforcing insider trading policies, ensuring timely disclosure of material information, and managing exceptional scenarios that require heightened regulatory scrutiny.
Defense Against Hostile Takeovers
We assist companies in developing and implementing defense strategies to counter takeover threats and activist shareholder campaigns. Our services include structuring protective measures and advising on engagement with activist investors.
Industry Experience
Our governance practice spans multiple industries, with particularly deep experience advising clients in sectors such as financial services, healthcare, real estate, and energy.
Governance Frameworks and Policies
We help clients develop and maintain effective governance frameworks, including drafting and implementing codes of ethics, standards of conduct, proxy materials, and disclosure policies. We also provide strategic advice on annual and special shareholder meetings and other corporate governance processes.
Corporate Documents and Elections
Sydney Legal PC assists in drafting and revising corporate charters, bylaws, and board committee charters (covering audit, compensation, and governance committees). We also advise on director and officer nominations, elections, and removal processes.
Managing External Relationships
We offer strategic counsel on managing relationships with external advisors, including auditors, compensation consultants, and other third-party service providers, and assist clients in selecting trusted experts from our broad professional network.
Internal Investigations
Our attorneys guide corporate boards, audit committees, and special committees in conducting thorough and independent internal investigations into allegations of misconduct or regulatory breaches. We have experience handling investigations related to accounting irregularities, securities violations, whistleblower claims, foreign corruption issues, and self-dealing allegations.
Trusted for ESG, Compliance & Oversight
Sydney Legal PC offers in-depth advice on ESG-related governance, compliance, and oversight. We support clients in meeting ESG regulatory requirements and in structuring governance practices that reflect evolving ESG standards. Additionally, we advise on compliance and governance for Certified B Corporations and other mission-driven entities.
