From strategy to action: How legal experts are moving towards Net Zero

In light of Earth Day and its theme “Our power, our planet”, four of the Law Society’s new Sustainability Committee members highlight how their workplaces are prioritising sustainable practices.

“Progress does not happen in silence. It happens when people show up.” [1]

This year, Earth Day are asking people to consider small collective action, but what does that look like in practice? Our Sustainability Committee members are here to highlight what that can look like in your firm, organisation or day-to-day life.

I first got exposure to businesses’ sustainability issues while in private practice acting for clients including renewable energy developers, and institutional landlords with ESG requirements before I joined the public sector in 2025.

That work on sustainability has followed me to my in-house role where I now advise on IT contracts and procurement law. One of Glasgow City Council’s aims across its 2022-27 strategy is to “fight the climate emergency in a just transition to a net zero Glasgow”, which as a lawyer is baked into my work at several levels. At a high level, throughout the procurement process, Council officers are required to consider the environmental impact of their work, and document sustainability risks and opportunities. My role is to ensure the environmental commitments required by the Council are legally binding on suppliers. At the opposite end of the spectrum, most of my printing is done on recycled paper. Manufacturing this requires 73% less energy than new paper, and no wood at all, which reduces the Council’s environmental impact. The Council also offers e-learning courses to all staff on climate literacy, energy efficiency, and the circular economy, helping everyone play a part in applying sustainable working practices.

I help turn climate ambition into action, taking strategy off the page and embedding it into the way a law firm actually operates, day to day.

At Freeths, we have set out a clear Net Zero Transition Plan, outlining our pathway to net zero by 2040. That strategy matters, but what matters just as much is how it’s delivered. Real progress comes from the cumulative effect of many small, consistent decisions, from how we use energy and travel, to how we work with suppliers, engage our people, and invest in nature through partnerships like our work with The Tree Council.

That same thinking shapes my own approach to sustainability. For me, it starts with being more mindful – thinking twice before buying or doing something, avoiding waste, not living in excess, and making choices that feel proportionate and sustainable over the long term. I also think it’s important to stay open and engage with emerging ideas, technologies and products, while keeping sight of the evidence and where real impact sits. Often it is simply about starting, seeing what fits, and recognising that if a small change brings wider benefits (saving money, creating healthier habits or simplifying daily life) then it’s probably worth embracing.

At Anderson Strathern, we have established a Net Zero Working Group (NZWG) to oversee our journey to net zero and wider sustainability initiatives with expert advice from Beyond Green. A key milestone in our journey so far has been the move to our new sustainable Edinburgh office as well as meeting our interim target early for a 40% reduction in our 2019 baseline. Current priorities of the NZWG include obtaining scope 3 emissions data through supplier engagement, reviewing employee travel and developing a low‑carbon travel policy, considering the environmental impact of AI, and collaborating with commercial clients to share best practice. The firm has also trained colleagues in carbon literacy and plans to roll out further internal training this year. It’s important that our colleagues recognise this is a central consideration in their job, so we host regular net zero updates, expert-led sessions and CSR activities such as our upcoming beach and litter clean‑ups in partnership with Keep Scotland Beautiful.

Over the last 20 years or so, my career has focussed on leading and driving positive change for the benefit of our environment and society. I currently help shape and drive our ESG & Sustainability strategy at DWF in collaboration with our Chief Sustainability Officer and wider team. 

DWF has a long-standing commitment to responsible business, which all starts with our purpose of delivering positive outcomes with our colleagues, clients and communities. This ranges from reducing our environmental footprint, supporting charities through donations from the DWF Foundation, embedding responsible business practices and reporting our progress transparently, as well as ensuring we are an inclusive and supportive employer.

This year’s Earth Day theme helps shine a light on what is possible – small, simple steps taken by a lot of individuals collectively adds up. I try to do what I can by travelling sustainably, repurposing, upcycling and reusing items, sourcing food locally and seasonally, and having a garden that is nature and wildlife friendly.

Are you looking to add sustainability to your agenda in 2026? Our Sustainability Committee members have four key pillars in common, which are simple additions you can make to your business or everyday life:

• Look at your immediate environment: Can you switch to recycled paper, reduce unnecessary travel, or digitize a workflow to save energy?
• Put responsible business into practice: Move beyond talking about values and start building them into your organisation or business’ processes and decision-making.
• Engage your colleagues: Start a working group or a "Net Zero" conversation in your office. Take your colleagues on the journey as real change is fuelled by shared knowledge and collective accountability.
• Stay openminded: As Maggie noted, consistency is key. Stay curious about new technologies - like the impact of AI on carbon footprints - and be willing to adapt your habits as the evidence evolves.