McGuireWoods has won an ESG and Community Impact Leader award from The National Law Journal, marking the second year in a row the firm was honored for social responsibility and pro bono initiatives and for responding to growing client demand for guidance on environmental, social and corporate governance issues.
McGuireWoods leverages the experience and insight of lawyers and government relations professionals to provide clients with comprehensive guidance on ESG matters, which have become a priority for companies, their boards and investors.
The firm’s ESG task force harnesses the experience of talented lawyers across multiple departments to assist clients with ESG issues including environmental regulation, climate and sustainability initiatives, corporate governance, investor engagement and communications, securities regulation, energy policy, international trade, and labor and employment.
The team helps companies evaluate and develop their ESG targets, report on ESG issues responsibly and effectively, and create policies and procedures to integrate ESG into daily operations and long-term planning — all while avoiding common pitfalls that could lead to unwanted liability risk.
McGuireWoods’ notable achievements include leading renewable energy deals for four of the top 20 utilities in the United States, helping clients navigate pathways to “net zero” power generation, and partnering with major financial institutions on sustainability-linked credit facilities and “green bonds.”
“We are proud to be singled out as an ESG and Community Impact Leader for the second year in a row,” said partner Allison Wood, who chairs the five-person executive committee leading the firm’s ESG task force. “This is a well-deserved tribute to our lawyers and consultants for their dedication to meeting the emerging needs of clients.”
McGuireWoods also earned recognition for public-facing social responsibility initiatives, including programs that promote the advancement of women and Black professionals in private equity and finance, and pro bono projects — including partnerships with clients — that expand access to legal services for low-income individuals and families. The firm’s recent pro bono highlights include vacating a murder conviction for a client wrongfully incarcerated for over 20 years; partnering with three financial institution clients to conduct estate planning clinics for low-income veterans; and collaborating with clients to run virtual driver’s license restoration clinics in partnership with the North Carolina Pro Bono Resource Center.
The National Law Journal will honor the award winners Oct. 26, 2023, at an event in Washington, D.C.