The Centre for ESG Law and Practice is an initiative developed by the College of Law to support legal and business communities navigate the complex role of law in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) frameworks. It is critical that Australian and global organisations meet international ESG regulations as a matter of legal compliance and strategic capability.
The Centre for ESG Law and Practice’s objective is to empower young professionals and emerging leaders to navigate the rapidly evolving world of ESG law and practice.
“There is a groundswell of demand from young professionals for accessible and trusted ESG education and career pathways,” James Jung, Executive Director International Strategy at the College of Law, explains. “The ESG Centre responds to that demand by connecting students and early-career professionals with the tools and mentors they need to lead change on a global scale.”
Leadership and Education
The Centre for ESG Law and Practice will provide global thought leadership on ESG policy and education, and act as a neutral intersection for governments, law firms, businesses, civil society and academic institutions.
The Centre will serve as a global reference point by:
- Tracking legal developments through a comparative law and policy matrix across jurisdictions.
- Fostering discussion via advisory forums, mentoring, and engagement with governments and industry.
- Delivering education and credentials through new College of Law programs, including Micro-credentialing, Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas and LLM pathways.
- Driving practice innovation via webinars, workshops, seminars and tailored conferences with leading ESG practitioners worldwide.
The Centre will be led by Matthew Baird, Executive Director Centre for ESG Law and Practice. Matthew Baird has 35 years of experience in environmental law, including 15 years working in ASEAN and the Pacific practice of ESG. Matthew is also the current Director of the Asian Research Institute for Environmental Law.
“The Centre for ESG Law and Practice is about creating an accessible, trusted and centralised source of ESG intelligence for the global legal and business community,” Matthew Baird says. “The Centre is focused upon equipping a new generation of legal professionals with the practical skills and global mindset to make a real impact.”
“We want to give young lawyers and professionals the chance to be at the forefront of ESG transformation.”
Advisory Board
An international Advisory Board of distinguished leaders—including partners at top law firms, global ESG specialists, and presidents of international and national law associations—will support the Centre and provide mentoring opportunities for students and young lawyers, including:
- Dominique Hogan-Doran SC, Australian Bar
- Kate Lazarus, ESG Lead, International Finance Corporation
- Meg Lee, Partner, Hall & Wilcox
- Claire Smith, Partner, Clayton Utz
- Raphael Tay, Partner, RDS Partnership
- Shyam Divan, President, LAWASIA
- Matt Floro, President, Asian Australian Lawyers Association
- Mark Beaufoy, President, National Environmental Law Association
- Robyn Glindemann, Partner, Lantegy Legal
- Michael Chu, President, Inter-Pacific Bar Association
The new Centre for ESG Law and Practice marks the College of Law’s commitment to supporting young lawyers and the future of the Australian legal industry.
Centre for ESG Law and Practice Contact:
Matthew Baird mbaird@collaw.edu.au
College of Law Media Contact:
Jacqui Thompson jthompson@collaw.edu.au
Mb: 0403 776 017
