ESG & Sustainable Business

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) business issues is a constantly evolving landscape that affects every business and organization today. Businesses must evaluate the complex economic, cultural, and legal landscape across their industry and develop plans for how best to respond to be competitive. Much like the work, the language surrounding sustainability and ESG is daunting and complex. What matters most to our clients – the companies, government agencies, boards, investors, charities and foundations, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders – is that Hanson Bridgett offers sustainable solutions and adaptable strategies to maximize financial outcomes and social impact value. 

Apart from the proven track record, we built our reputation as thought leaders in this space by being some of the earliest adopters and holding ourselves accountable. In 2007, we became a founding B Corp (a global certification for companies that meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency) and was the first law firm to achieve B Corp certification. In 2011, one of our partners led the legal working group that pioneered the for-profit benefit corporation (a multistakeholder corporate form that allows entrepreneurs to embed their social and environmental mission into their Articles of Incorporation). B Corp certification is now available to businesses in 36 states, including California and Delaware, and internationally.

Today, embracing ESG is no longer optional (it’s imperative). Your business is a force for good and our Corporate team specializes in unleashing that force, regardless of industry or where you’re at on your journey. From start-up to acquisition and from tech to venture capital – we provide the solutions and guidance for any business to navigate the complex business, industry and regulatory challenges and thrive sustainably. The work spans across practice groups, with dedicated ESG & Sustainable Business lawyers frequently collaborating with a variety of teams to meet the need, no matter what specialty or industry, including: Corporate Governance, Labor and Employment, Environmental Law, Water Law, Financial Services, Litigation, Construction, Real Estate, Public Agencies and other Government entities, Technology, and Transportation.

Running a socially and environmentally responsible business is smart business. Traversing the legal and regulatory challenges in order to maximize the opportunity and value is where we come in. 

Custom-tailored services include: 

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy and Program Design 
• ESG and Sustainable Business Corporate Governance and Compliance
• ESG and Sustainable Business Reporting (annual assessments and regulatory disclosures) 
• Sustainable Business Financing Design and Documentation 
• Design and Implementation of Capital Structures that preserve and enhance ESG and sustainability (including proposed law changes)
• ESG and Sustainability Focused Due Diligence and Accountability Measurements
• Sustainable Business Board Governance Advice and Strategy (including risk assessment and best practices)

Key Contacts

Teresa Pahl

Partner

San Francisco, CA

Jonathan Storper

Partner

San Francisco, CA

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