Navigating the future: Helping your business succeed in an ever-changing world

Join us for a half-day CLE program exploring some of the key ESG-related legal and business issues — from the implications of the Inflation Reduction Act to people aspects of ESG to the SEC's climate disclosure rule — facing corporations today.      

Our international panel of attorneys will deliver a series of ESG-related topics to equip you with some of the tools you will need to navigate these changes successfully.  We hope to see you for what promises to be an exciting afternoon of stimulating conversation and reconnection.  The full agenda is viewable below.

AGENDA

12:00 – 12:45 p.m.      Registration, lunch and networking

12:45 – 1:15 p.m.        State of the World on ESG

In this session, we will provide a high-level overview of what legal teams need to know about ESG, what businesses doing as part of their change management to reflect ESG, and how the GC's office can help achieve your company's ESG goals.

1:15 – 1:25 p.m.        Break

1:25 – 2:25 p.m.        Greenwashing claims: Where do we go from here?

With accusations of greenwashing hitting the headlines, there is growing concern by regulators and lawmakers to ensure consumers, investors and other stakeholders can make informed decisions about products and services badged as green or sustainable. The demand by consumers across a wide range of sectors for sustainable products brings significant opportunities for businesses and investors. However, there is also considerable regulatory and litigation risk of companies that do not comply with the rapidly evolving requirements associated with the marketing and sale of “green” products, services and investment opportunities.  In this session we will cover:

• What is the role of regulators and what are some of the specific developments across different jurisdictions?
• Which sectors are most at risk of claims of greenwashing?
• What types of regulatory actions/civil claims are most likely?
• How can businesses mitigate those risks/maximize the opportunities? 

David Baay, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland

2:25 – 2:35 p.m.        Break

2:35 – 3:35 p.m.        People aspects of ESG

With employers facing more pressure to demonstrate their commitment to ESG, it is vital that they are cognizant of the people-related aspects of ESG and how they stand to impact their organization. In this session, our panelists will discuss:

• Board composition and employee/stakeholder voice;
• The rise of DE&I data reporting and related risks;
• The rise of pay reporting;
• Employee and independent contractor protections; and
• Supply chain staffing risk.  

Sophie White, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland
Deepa Menon, Associate, Eversheds Sutherland

3:35 – 3:45 p.m.        Break

3:45 – 4:45 p.m.        Preparing for the SEC's climate disclosure rule

In March 2022, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission proposed groundbreaking climate-related disclosure requirements for publicly-reporting companies. Building upon other global frameworks, the proposed rules purport to respond to the call for consistent climate and ESG-related data. As proposed, both foreign and domestic registrants would be responsible for a vast array of expanded disclosures, including climate and transition risks and impacts, governance processes, scope 1, 2 and 3 (in some cases) emissions, attestation requirements and climate goals and transition plans. These requirements would necessitate extensive internal verification procedures and external review and may also impact investor and consumer decision-making.
 
This session will break down the proposed SEC rule, highlighting potential implications and impact, and lay out what companies need to do now to prepare a successful strategy for the forthcoming rule.  
 
Darryl Smith, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland

4:45 – 5:30 p.m.        Cocktail reception