White & Case ESG and Sustainability Services: Pioneering Global ESG and Sustainability Legal Solutions with Unmatched Cross-Border Expertise

Services

1. ESG Strategy and Integration: White & Case assists clients in developing and integrating ESG strategies into their overall business models. This includes advising on governance frameworks, risk management practices, and the alignment of business operations with ESG principles to enhance long-term sustainability and corporate responsibility.

2. Sustainability Reporting and Disclosure: The firm provides guidance on sustainability reporting and disclosure, ensuring that clients meet the growing demands for transparency from regulators, investors, and other stakeholders. This includes helping clients comply with various global ESG reporting standards, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).

3. Sustainable Finance and Investments: White & Case offers legal support in the structuring and execution of sustainable finance products, including green bonds, sustainability-linked loans, and other investment instruments designed to fund environmentally and socially responsible projects. The firm’s global reach allows it to advise on these transactions across multiple jurisdictions.

4. Corporate Governance and Ethical Practices: The firm advises on best practices in corporate governance, ensuring that companies adopt ethical business practices and robust governance structures. This includes helping clients navigate shareholder activism, board composition, executive compensation, and other governance issues with an ESG focus.

5. Climate Change and Environmental Impact: White & Case supports clients in addressing climate change-related challenges, including carbon emissions reduction, climate risk management, and participation in carbon markets. The firm also advises on environmental impact assessments and the development of strategies to minimize ecological footprints.

6. Social Responsibility and Human Rights: The firm provides counsel on social responsibility issues, including labour rights, human rights, and community engagement. This involves helping clients develop policies and practices that promote social equity and ensure compliance with international human rights standards.

7. Regulatory Compliance and Litigation: White & Case assists clients in understanding and complying with ESG-related regulations, both domestically and internationally. The firm also represents clients in litigation and enforcement actions related to ESG matters, offering robust defence and strategic advice.

Unique Strengths

White & Case’s ESG and Sustainability services are distinguished by the firm’s global presence and deep cross-border legal expertise. The ability to navigate the diverse regulatory environments of different countries, combined with a thorough understanding of global ESG trends, makes White & Case a uniquely positioned advisor for clients seeking to lead in sustainability and corporate responsibility worldwide.

Global Presence

White & Case LLP is one of the few truly global law firms. It has 46 offices located in 31 countries worldwide. This expansive reach enables the firm to serve clients in nearly every major financial and business hub around the world, offering seamless legal services across jurisdictions.

The firm is particularly known for its ability to handle complex cross-border transactions and disputes. White & Case's lawyers are trained to navigate the intricacies of multiple legal systems, which is crucial for multinational clients who operate across different jurisdictions. This cross-border expertise is a significant differentiator from many of its competitors.

The firm’s clients include major corporations, financial institutions, governments, and NGOs around the world. White & Case's ability to advise on both local and international matters makes it a preferred choice for entities engaged in global business.

Regional Coverage

1. Americas: Offices in Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Miami, New York, and São Paulo.

2. Western Europe: The firm has a significant presence across major European financial centres.

3. Asia: Offices in Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Tokyo, with capabilities in bank finance and high yield.

4. Africa: The firm has been recognized for its work on the African continent.

5. Middle East: The firm has advised clients like Saudi Aramco and the Ministry of Petroleum of Saudi Arabia.

ESG Roundtables

White & Case has initiated ESG roundtables to connect clients across industries and facilitate discussions on common sustainability challenges. These roundtables provide a platform for:

• Sharing insights and best practices related to sustainability

• Discussing topics such as aligning governance with ESG vision

• Networking among participants from various regions and sectors

Recognition

1. White & Case's involvement in the issuance of a €6.5 billion Green Federal Bond for the Federal Republic of Germany. This transaction was named "Green Bond of the Year" at the 2021 Environmental Finance Bond Awards. The award recognized the transaction for introducing new concepts into traditional green bonds, reflecting White & Case’s leadership in sustainable finance​

2. The Financial Times (FT) named White & Case LLP the "Most Innovative" law firm in North America for 2020 in its 11th annual North America Innovative Lawyers report. The FT specifically noted White & Case's commitment to both clients' evolving needs and making a social impact.

3. White & Case's broader sustainability efforts have also been acknowledged through their consistent performance in global ESG rankings. The firm has a long-standing commitment to reducing its own environmental impact, having decreased its greenhouse gas emissions by approximately one-third since launching its Green Initiative a decade ago.

Competitors

1. Clifford Chance LLP: A major international law firm known for its expertise in sustainable finance, ESG advisory, and environmental law. Clifford Chance has a strong presence in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, and is recognized for its work on green bonds and other sustainable finance instruments.

2. Linklaters LLP: Another global law firm that is a leader in ESG and sustainability. Linklaters provides a broad range of services, including ESG strategy development, compliance, and reporting. The firm is particularly strong in the UK and European markets and has been involved in several high-profile sustainability transactions.

3. Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP: Freshfields is well-regarded for its work in corporate governance, sustainability, and ESG. The firm has a global reach and a reputation for advising on complex, cross-border transactions, particularly those with a strong focus on environmental and social impact.

4. Baker McKenzie: With a significant global footprint, Baker McKenzie is a key player in the ESG and sustainability space. The firm offers comprehensive services in areas such as climate change law, sustainable finance, and corporate governance, and is known for its expertise in helping multinational clients navigate ESG regulations.

5. Latham & Watkins LLP: This firm has built a strong reputation in environmental law and sustainable finance. Latham & Watkins is often involved in large-scale renewable energy projects and ESG-related corporate transactions, providing both strategic and legal advice to global clients.

Pricing

The pricing of their services depends on various factors, including the complexity of the case, the jurisdiction, the level of expertise required, and the seniority of the lawyers involved. If you need specific information on pricing for a particular legal service or project, it’s advisable to contact White & Case directly to request a proposal or fee estimate tailored to your needs.