Gowling WLG has contributed to Sustainability Training for Legal Professionals, a new online learning platform launched by the Legal Charter 1.5 and Sustainable Markets Initiative General Counsel Office. The free programme of training is designed to help legal professionals build their understanding of the sustainability issues increasingly shaping client needs and how the legal sector is responding.

Created by legal professionals for peers in private practice and industry, the platform comprises seven foundational modules – each providing practical insight and guidance on climate and nature-related issues, the implications for professional responsibilities, and the role of legal practice in supporting sustainable transition. Additional deep-dive modules are being added – exploring how sustainability-related risks and opportunities arise in specific contexts, such as energy transition or real estate and the built environment.

Gowling WLG supported the development of the platform and contributed to key pieces of content. Sustainability Partner Ben Stansfield features in the initial programme, while General Counsel Michael Luckman has contributed to one of the first deep-dive modules. Several other specialists across the firm are also exploring opportunities to help deliver future training topics.

Michael Luckman said: "Sustainability issues are increasingly relevant across a wide range of legal work, as they become more of a focus for company boards – influencing, for example, business strategy, investment decisions, supply chains, regulation and procurement. Lawyers do not necessarily need to become sustainability specialists, but they do need a working understanding of the issues affecting their clients, sectors and markets.

"This training provides accessible learning that will help participants develop confidence in this area, apply their professional judgement and engage more effectively with the legal opportunities and challenges sustainability presents to clients, both now and in the future."

Participants can complete modules online at their own pace, choosing the learning most relevant to their role, sector or interests. Further modules will be added over time to cover a range of issues and respond to new developments and requirements.

As sustainability considerations continue to influence client expectations, governance and regulation, organisations increasingly need advisers who understand the evolving risks and opportunities of the transition. Through its ESG practice and wider sustainability initiatives, Gowling WLG works with clients across every major sector and nature market on a wide range of matters – helping organisations understand responsibilities, manage risks and pursue long term environmental goals. You can learn more about the team on its ESG and natural capital pages.

To find out more about Gowling WLG's wider approach to sustainability, visit its environmental commitments and corporate responsibility pages.