The 20-attorney-strong dedicated ESG and Impact team at Kirkland & Ellis has focused on adapting to evolving regulatory regimes and industry frameworks. The law firm assisted with the creation of Diligent's Climate Leadership Certification programme in early 2022 and has continued the relationship with Diligent, a global risk and governance company, to advise its directors and executives on navigating transition risks and evolving stakeholder demands relating to climate change.

The Climate Leadership Certification Programme is an educational tool for board members and executives, focused on regulatory requirements, climate-related stakeholder demands, and risk management, to promote good governance.

Kirkland & Ellis has also advised a variety of fund managers on their ESG and Impact efforts, including the ESG and impact investment policies of Bain Capital's impact fund – Double Impact. The team also assisted private equity firm TPG Rise with fundraising for its $7.3 billion Climate Fund and EQT's Future Fund, as well as Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners' Net Zero Power Fund, and Helios Investment Partners' CLEAR Fund.

Internally, Kirkland now measures its Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions, and purchases carbon credits through Rubicon Carbon, a carbon solutions provider, and Xpansiv, an environmental assets data business.

Alexandra Farmer, who heads up the firm's ESG and Impact practice, said: "We are privileged to advise the most sophisticated impact funds, which are not only seeking to produce attractive returns while addressing climate change and social inequalities but doing so while navigating a wave of new regulation and litigation risk.

"As lawyers, we play a critical role in future-proofing these strategies so that our clients can achieve their impact goals."