Rajah & Tann, Allen & Gledhill, and WongPartnership take top positions in the growing field of ESG law.
The environmental, social, and governance (ESG) sector has become a focal point for major law firms, and Rajah & Tann, Allen & Gledhill, and WongPartnership have emerged as leaders in this field, following the addition of ESG to this year’s Best Law Firms survey.
Rajah & Tann took a proactive approach by establishing a dedicated sustainability practice group in January 2021, streamlining resources across various legal disciplines to address clients’ growing ESG concerns. The firm has also partnered with external consultants to bolster its sustainability efforts and signed up with LowCarbonSG, a program aimed at helping firms transition to net-zero emissions. This proactive strategy has positioned Rajah & Tann as a key player in ESG law, producing thought leadership on managing greenwashing risks and sustainable finance.
Allen & Gledhill has similarly embraced ESG, advising on green energy projects, carbon markets, and compliance with regional sustainability regulations. According to Elsa Chen, a partner and co-head of the firm’s ESG & public policy practice, ESG has become a crucial factor for governments, consumers, and investors when determining a company’s long-term value. In 2023, Allen & Gledhill advised on around $10 billion of green or sustainability-linked financial instruments, with a total of $39 billion from 2020 to 2023.
WongPartnership also stands out for its expertise in ESG, offering guidance on sustainable investments, renewable energy projects, carbon credits, and directors’ duties in relation to ESG matters. The firm recently advised on a significant joint venture related to Climate Impact X, a global carbon credit marketplace.
As Asia becomes a central battleground in the fight against climate change, with the region responsible for half of global greenhouse gas emissions, these firms are well-positioned to lead the charge. Their work spans across financial, environmental, and social aspects of ESG, helping businesses navigate the complexities of the evolving regulatory landscape while positioning Singapore as a hub for green finance and sustainability in the region.
