Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG)

While Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) concerns have long been a focus for many companies, the issue has moved to the forefront of global commerce and is now an urgent priority among market participants and regulators. As a uniquely situated Washington, DC firm, our team of interdisciplinary lawyers covers a broad range of topics and issues, including supply chain concerns, sustainability, climate change, social impact, human rights, data protection, diversity, and more. Our lawyers understand how to navigate the rapidly changing, complex regulatory and political environment that has made ESG implementation and compliance a top concern of corporate leaders. Wiley’s subject matter experts routinely collaborate with our government-facing lawyers and litigators to help clients achieve their ESG goals and showcase their ESG accomplishments in a manner that passes the toughest regulatory and investor scrutiny.

Our ESG Team

We have nationally and internationally recognized specialty practices dedicated to the three ESG components, all working side by side to help companies develop ESG policies and plans. Drawing on the deep knowledge of numerous Wiley practice areas, our team of lawyers is well-equipped to assess potential litigation and regulatory risks on behalf of our clients.

Corporate Governance, Policy, Strategy & Transactions

Our Corporate Practice has a seasoned team with extensive experience advising stakeholders, boards of directors, board committees, and executive management. As investors, shareholders, and regulators put more pressure on companies regarding ESG matters, our team is ready to assist clients with emerging ESG-related challenges and the creative strategies to meet them.

Employment

Our Employment  lawyers guide companies toward harmonizing their social and governance goals and public statements with the rigors of operating nationally and internationally. Whether through formal cultural assessments, training exercises, or internal guidelines updates, we help companies achieve better productivity through a better workplace.

Environmental

Lawyers in our Environment & Product Regulation and Environmental Sustainability practices are uniquely positioned to assist companies with emerging legal challenges related to energy efficiency requirements, climate change, and greenhouse gas emissions, and to address many environmental and consumer product issues facing businesses today.

FTC Regulation

Our FTC Regulation team has extensive experience successfully representing high-profile companies and associations in a wide variety of matters handled by the Federal Trade Commission. Our attorneys are engaged on developments regarding the Commission’s Green Guides and proactively counsel clients on avoiding potential FTC enforcement actions involving environmental claims.

Government Contracts

Federal and state government contractors are witnessing an ever-expanding range of environmental and social obligations embedded within their contracts. Wiley's top-tier Government Contracts Practice has extensive experience advising companies in implementing, tracking, and reporting compliance with these new requirements.

International Trade and Supply Chain Due Diligence

Many investors expect transparency with respect to corporations’ vendors and due diligence in supply chain monitoring. Wiley's multidisciplinary International Trade and Supply Chain practices help clients navigate global markets, anticipate new regulations and other key developments with international trade laws and policies, mitigate supply chain risks, and create compliance programs. From human trafficking compliance to sanctions advice, we help clients ethically achieve their production goals in a complex marketplace.

Political Law

Our Election Law & Government Ethics Practice routinely advises on the potential social impact of corporate political activity, and helps clients maximize the effectiveness of corporate lobbying and political spending while minimizing ESG-related challenges to that activity.

Securities Enforcement and Litigation

Our Securities Enforcement Practice regularly advises on ESG matters, with a focus on tracking the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) regulatory and enforcement activities to help clients marry their ESG goals with government and investor expectations – current and future. Similarly, White Collar and Government Defense and Litigation lawyers guide clients through commercial and government disputes involving ESG disclosures, compliance, and commercial obligations.

Contact Us

Hon. Nazak Nikakhtar
202.719.3380 | nnikakhtar@wiley.law

Kevin B. Muhlendorf
202.719.7052 | kmuhlendorf@wiley.law