Law Society issues ‘milestone’ climate change guidance for solicitors and law firms
Law firms can now refuse to represent polluters if their activities hinder progress towards achieving net zero emissions or conflict with the firm’s own values on climate change, according to new guidance from the Law Society.
The professional body for solicitors has released what it calls a ‘milestone’ climate change guidance, advising law firms to consider the impact of their clients’ actions on the environment. This guidance comes at a time when the legal profession is facing increasing scrutiny for its role in addressing climate change.
The Law Society’s guidance also encourages law firms to assess the impact of their stance on climate change on their staff, particularly as younger lawyers and students are increasingly prioritizing working for firms that align with their values on environmental issues. The guidance suggests that law firms may need to accommodate employees who view a commitment to climate action as a protected characteristic under the Equalities Act.
This guidance comes in the wake of a recent controversy in the legal profession, where leading barristers signed a declaration stating they would not prosecute peaceful climate protesters or represent companies involved in fossil fuel projects. The Law Society’s guidance aims to provide clarity for solicitors on how to navigate these complex issues.
The guidance emphasizes that while solicitors are not required to represent certain clients, they can choose to decline to advise on matters that conflict with their values or their firm’s objectives regarding climate change. This flexibility allows solicitors and law firms to consider their professional obligations in the context of the climate crisis.
Overall, the guidance is seen as a crucial resource for solicitors looking to understand and address the legal profession’s collective response to climate change. It highlights the importance of lawyers and law firms taking proactive steps to mitigate their impact on the environment and provide competent and compliant legal advice in a rapidly changing climate landscape.
