This session will discuss three vitally important topics for law firms – and for our societies – and the role we can play individually and collectively to make a difference:

• The environment (UNSDG 13) – 20,000 scientists have written a letter to humanity highlighting the damage being done to our planet. How can law firms work to reduce their environmental impact
• Gender equality (UNSDG5) – promoting diversity and inclusion, how do we understand and overcome the issues affecting gender balance in the workplace and champion gender diversity? How do we do this within law firms and how can we help our clients and our communities to do this
• Access to justice (UNSDG16) – what roles can law firms play in promoting access to justice as part of the Peace, justice and strong institutions goal?

We will begin with a case study looking at how groups of law firms can come together to work collaboratively to reduce their environmental impact and what firms can do internally to achieve this goal. We will then discuss how these approaches can be applied to other sustainability goals, focusing on gender equality and access to justice.

The diverse panel will discuss practical tips to help make a difference and will welcome ideas and discussion with members of the audience.