ESG Hot Topics, Hard Questions, and the Lawyer’s Ethical Responsibilities
Join in-house counsel, sustainability and compliance leaders, and the lawyers who help companies navigate an increasingly scrutinized climate landscape. Across two fast-moving sessions, we'll cover the key sustainability-related legal topics on the minds of lawyers and sustainability professionals alike, and the ethical questions facing every lawyer advising on climate today. Expect candid takes, practical guidance, and room for conversation.
An artisan coffee bar and fresh donuts will be on hand throughout the morning.
AGENDA:
8:30 am – Registration opens
9-10 am: Session 1
Greenwashing, Sustainability Disclosures, and the Lawyer's Ethical Duties (Ethics CLE*)
As sustainability disclosures, climate commitments, and ESG-related claims face increasing regulatory scrutiny and litigation risk, lawyers play a critical role in helping organizations navigate the line between advocacy and accuracy. We will examine the professional responsibility issues that arise when advising on sustainability-related statements and disclosures, including duties of competence, truthfulness, supervision, confidentiality, and the lawyer's role as advisor. Through practical examples and emerging enforcement trends, we will explore how the Rules of Professional Conduct apply to greenwashing risk and gain practical guidance for addressing the ethical challenges that can arise when legal, business, and reputational considerations intersect.
· Stacey Sprenkel, Partner, Davis Wright Tremaine
· Kristi Wolff, Partner, Davis Wright Tremaine
10-10:15 am: Break
10:15-11:15 am: Session 2
Hot Takes: The Climate & ESG Legal Landscape, Right Now (General CLE*)
A rapid-fire, conversation-driven round on the issues moving fastest — climate disclosure regimes (SB 253/261, CSRD, what’s coming next), Extended Producer Responsibility, water use, nature-related disclosures, the state of anti-ESG laws and litigation, and the latest climate litigation updates. Less deep dive, more candid takes meant to spark discussion.
· Stacey Sprenkel, Partner, Davis Wright Tremaine
· Olivier Jamin, Counsel, Davis Wright Tremaine
· Corinne Hanson, Vice President of ESG Strategy, Greenplaces
*PENDING CLE Credits: CA – 1.0 General Credit, 1.0 Ethics Credit; NY – 1.0 Professional Practice Credit, 1.0 Ethics Credit; OR – 1.0 General Credit, 1.0 Ethics Credit; VA – 1.0 General Credit, 1.0 Ethics Credit; WA – 1.0 Law and Legal Procedure Credit, 1.0 Ethics Credit. All credits and credit types are pending and not guaranteed. This program is appropriate for both newly admitted and experienced New York attorneys.