London—Dentons, the world's largest global law firm, has joined a growing number of international law firms adapting and promoting transformational sustainable legal practices to combat the climate crisis by becoming an official dialogue partner of Legal Charter 1.5.

The Charter is a forum that encourages and enables law firms to transition their strategies, operations and client work in line with a 1.5° world. By doing so, firms assist clients with their own transition.

Setting traditional rivalries aside, Dentons UK, Ireland and Middle East (UKIME), which recently ranked within the top 10% of law firms for responsible business practices in Lamp House Strategy's 2024 Annual Report, will collaborate with other law firms by participating in the forum designed to foster a culture of sharing, collaboration and material action.

Dialogue Partners are vital to the Charter's success and it is hoped that this partnership will lead to Dentons becoming a full signatory of the Charter in the near future.

Dentons is committed to achieving Legal Charter 1.5's goals and is working with clients to establish sustainable legal practices.

Last year, the firm set a pioneering example for the legal industry by delivering its first recorded end-to-end low carbon matter service offering to Defra Legal Advisors, activity which aligns with both the Charter's principles 2 and 3, acknowledging and assessing the climate impact of new matters and advised emissions.

Dentons has also conducted research into net zero laws and policies on a pro bono basis for the Net Zero Policy and Regulation Hub at Oxford University, to help it compile its Net Zero Policy Monitor, due to be launched at the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29). This aligns with Charter principle 7 on offering environmentally-focused pro bono.

This year, the firm released its first Responsible Business Impact Report, detailing tangible advancements in environmental sustainability, social responsibility and good governance initiatives across the UKIME region, in line with the Charter principle 5 on accountability and reporting.

Head of Responsible Business for the UKIME region, Claire England, said: "As competitive as leading law firms can be, we're not allowing traditional rivalries stop us learning from one another and achieving impactful change together. Our sector has an essential role to play, not least because of the influence we have over global actions that define the course of the climate crisis, so it's reassuring to see and be a part of efforts to ensure the direction is set for a long-term, sustainable planet. While we've made many solo strides, which have been recognised in the 2024 Lamp House Report, we know that we can still learn from our peers to drive a culture of responsibility and collaboration that achieves material progress." 

Amanda Carpenter, Director, The Legal Charter 1.5 said: "The Legal Charter is delighted to welcome Dentons as a new member firm. As the Charter continues its ambitious programme of tackling the difficult issues facing firms and their clients on the transition to net zero, we are pleased to have the added support of this leading global law firm. Their involvement in the advised emissions workstream and their support for pro bono which focuses on sustainability will enhance our impact considerably."

As part of practising its commitment to ESG, Dentons voluntarily chose to report under the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures framework and participates in the Climate Disclosure Project and EcoVadis.

For more information about Legal Charter 1.5 and Dentons' commitment to sustainability, please visit Legal Charter 1.5 and Dentons' Responsible Business Impact Review.

About Dentons

Across over 80 countries, Dentons helps you grow, protect, operate and finance your organization by providing uniquely global and deeply local legal solutions. Polycentric, purpose-driven and committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and sustainability, we focus on what matters most to you. www.dentons.com