Mid-Level
Projects and
DLA Piper is unique amongst law firms in its approach to sustainability.
We are one of the only law firms to have executive-level responsibility for sustainability, through our Managing Director for Sustainability and Resilience. We are the first law firm to have been appointed the Terra Carta Seal by the Sustainable Markets Initiative, founded by His Majesty King Charles III and are consistently shortlisted for, and win major sustainability and energy transition awards. We are one of the few law firms to be in the Blue Zone in all three Rio Convention Summits.
Unlike many other law firms, we do not have a discrete sustainability and ESG practice. Instead, sustainability forms a horizontal pillar of our overall firm strategy, and we are seeking to embed it across our firm. Our Sustainability Strategy team reports to our Head of Sustainability, who in turn supports our Managing Director of Sustainability and Resilience on the sustainability business strategy for our international firm. 18 months since its establishment, the team is now looking for a new member to help understand, value and communicate its work to an internal and external audience.
The Sustainability Strategy team are responsible for:
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Generating research, analysis and insights on the external sustainability landscape that could potentially impact our clients to support the development of our service proposition
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Support key externally facing projects including:
- Thought leadership initiatives
- Strategic third-party relationships, including our presence at the Rio Convention COPs
- Development of client-facing projects related to our service proposition
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Support development of strategic internal-facing projects to harness data and deliver business strategy objectives
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Providing Secretariat support to our Sustainability Steering Committee
We are seeking enthusiastic, versatile and talented individuals who want to be on the leading edge of the sustainability transition for how the legal sector supports our clients and to help shape this recently expanded function.
Main duties and responsibilities
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Lead the firm's approach to measuring and reporting sustainability-related work, building relationships across the firm to continuously enhance the firm's methodology, identify and analyse sustainability activity and communicate the value of sustainability work
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Develop management information, dashboards and reporting for senior leadership, the Executive and colleagues, translating complex data into clear insights that support strategic decision making
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Develop innovative and actionable ways to communicate sustainability developments and the team’s work, helping colleagues understand the commercial relevance of sustainability, its implications for clients and the firm’s strategic response
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Lead the design, development and continuous improvement of the firm's sustainability learning programme, including creating engaging training materials, delivering workshops and identifying new opportunities to build capability
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Work with lawyers and business teams to ensure sustainability learning remains commercially relevant, practical and aligned to evolving client priorities and market developments
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Provide governance and secretariat support for the Sustainability Steering Committee (SteerCo), including coordinating meetings, preparing papers and agendas, tracking actions and supporting the effective delivery of the Committee's objectives
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Support the Head of Sustainability in delivering strategic priorities and initiatives, contributing to the continued development of the firm's sustainability offering.
About you
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4-5 years' relevant professional experience, ideally in sustainability, strategy, policy, learning, communications or a related field
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Understanding of the wider sustainability and ESG policy landscape, including familiarity with global sustainability frameworks
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Demonstrated ability to analyse complex qualitative and quantitative information, identify emerging trends and translate insights into a commercial context
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Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex issues into clear, engaging and accessible content for a range of audiences in a way that drives engagement and action
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Experience designing and delivering learning programmes, workshops or other capability-building initiatives for a range of audiences
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Ability to develop an understanding of how sustainability and ESG applies to the business of the law firm
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Proven experience working with senior stakeholders and building rapport across teams
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Significant experience in producing high quality presentations using PowerPoint with exceptional attention to detail
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Excellent written and oral communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
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Strong track record of taking ownership for results and demonstrating a growth mindset and grace under pressure.
About us
We're a global law firm helping our clients achieve their goals wherever they do business. Our pursuit of innovation has transformed our delivery of legal services. With offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, we deliver exceptional outcomes on cross-border projects, critical transactions and high-stakes disputes.
At DLA Piper, we understand that inclusion is not a one-size-fits-all concept. We embrace and celebrate the range of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences that each individual brings to our firm. By fostering a culture that welcomes and appreciates all aspects of our individuality, we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Our commitment to inclusion and positive social impact enables us to provide exceptional service to our clients and communities, while nurturing a unique and inclusive culture for all our people. We welcome the unique contribution that you will bring to our firm and actively encourage applications from all talented people – however your talent is packaged, whatever your background or circumstance and regardless of how you identify.
We are committed to being accessible and accommodating any reasonable adjustments needed throughout the recruitment process to ensure an inclusive experience for all. If you need any support or adjustments, please let us know.
Where local legislation permits, we will conduct relevant pre-engagement screening checks prior to your first day.
Job Reference
8177
Function
Sustainability and ESG
Category
Business Professionals
Location
London, United Kingdom
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