The Society recently hosted a panel discussion at Law Society House, exploring the role of the solicitor in advancing climate justice and sustainability initiatives.
The event brought together leading voices from across the legal and environmental sectors, including Professor Luis Franceschi, Assistant Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Nations, who offered an international perspective on how the Commonwealth is strengthening environmental law and governance to meet the global climate challenge.
Moderated by Simon Chambers, Chair of the Society’s Climate Justice Group, the session examined the practical, ethical, and professional dimensions of sustainability within legal practice.
Reflecting on the opportunities and challenges facing the profession, Mr Chambers remarked:
“We are now moving into an era where issues such as maintaining and increasing profitability and productivity, attracting and retaining talent, and motivating our workforce can and should have a firm grounding basis in sustainable practice and initiatives.”
Michelle Cully, Legal Director of Dispute Resolution at DWF, opened the discussion by highlighting how climate and sustainability considerations are shaping corporate legal practice, and the growing influence of ESG within commercial work.
Mark Borland, Junior Vice President and Chair of the Professional Conduct Committee, spoke on professional standards, and emphasised the balance between solicitors’ independence and their engagement with climate related issues.
Laura Neal, Environmental Lawyer at Friends of the Earth, reflected on access to justice in environmental litigation, outlining the barriers faced by communities in Northern Ireland when challenging environmental decisions, and how climate justice aligns with equality before the law.
Brian Speers, Managing Partner at CMG Cunningham Dickey Solicitors, discussed how sustainability is reshaping legal practice and dispute resolution, drawing parallels from his experience in mediation and the potential for these approaches to address climate-related challenges.
Together, the panellists highlighted how solicitors can play a central role in embedding sustainability within their firms and supporting broader societal change.
The discussion forms part of the Law Society’s ongoing programme of events organised by the Climate Justice Group, which seeks to engage members in an area of growing significance across all areas of legal practice.
Members interested in joining the Climate Justice Group or participating in future events are encouraged to contact policy@lawsoc-ni.org.
