Mishcon de Reya has today launched Mishcon Purpose, the first Purpose-oriented business to be established by a major law firm. It will provide Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) advice and purpose-driven insight to help clients navigate the opportunities and risks presented by a rapidly changing world. It brings together lawyers from across the firm as well as professionals within the MDR Group businesses and trusted sector experts.
The new offering reflects the Firm's view that sustainability is a central issue for business and society. Mishcon Purpose is grounded in the Firm's core values and Purpose statement "to enable our clients and our people to shape the world's possibilities." Its launch coincides with a planned series of internal initiatives to improve the sustainability of the business, including a commitment to be net carbon-zero this year and every year.
Mishcon Purpose is headed by Alexander Rhodes, who brings together in this role his litigation practice, and his recognised sustainability, environmental and public affairs expertise. He was the founding CEO of the charity Stop Ivory; head of the Secretariat to the inter-governmental Elephant Protection Initiative; and is a trustee and co-chair of the Strategic Projects Committee of Tusk Trust. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society and a Conservation Fellow of the Zoological Society of London. In 2018 the ZSL named him its Conservationist of the Year in recognition of his work supporting African governments in combatting the illegal ivory trade and in elephant conservation.
Alexander Rhodes, Head of Mishcon Purpose said: The COVID-19 virus has highlighted the inherent fragility of our global systems, as well as the transformative changes we are capable of through individual and collective action for the common good. The world of business will never be the same and there has never been a more important time for an offering like this.
James Libson, Managing Partner commented: We have been preparing this for a long time now and though the COVID-19 pandemic is understandably dominating our lives, we have decided not to postpone the launch. Investing in this area is even more critical now. Mishcon Purpose reflects the Firm's viewpoint that sustainability and Environmental, Social and Governance issues are indispensable board-level considerations for responsible, resilient and successful businesses and families.
To find out more please contact our Communications Team.