Coles Miller’s Patrick Herklots used his knowledge of environmental, social and governance factors in investments to beat lawyers from all over the country in a Law Society essay competition.
Trainee solicitor Patrick won the Junior Lawyers Division (JLD) Essay Competition: Is There a Role For The Legal Profession In Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Considerations?
Environmental, social and governance factors – driven by EU law – are becoming increasingly important to investors as they evaluate companies in post-Brexit Britain and Europe.
Patrick’s essay highlighted the importance of:
- impending new regulations
- the threat of legal action by environmental pressure groups
- grievance mechanisms, due diligence and ESG policies
- ESG opportunities including green bonds, green loans and sustainability-linked loans
- how ESG reporting can help companies to attract and retain long-term investors
- understanding how ESG considerations are being impacted by Covid-19.
He spent weeks meticulously researching his essay, referencing dozens of sources from legislation, key cases, legal and financial news.
Patrick described ESG as “a fascinating area of the law” because of its growing impact on society through the regulatory reform of sustainable finance and the impact this has on environmental, employment and company law.
Judges were highly impressed by the Patrick’s essay and also those of the two runners-up from London.
JLD vice-chair Manda Banerji said: “Their essays were not just good reads but were well structured and researched with strong theoretical knowledge, critical legal analysis and a pragmatic approach to the COVID-19 crisis.
“On behalf of myself and my fellow judges I would like to say how much we enjoyed reading the essays entered this year, which were of a high standard, and appreciate the hard work that went into them.”
Patrick takes home the top prize of £500 and also a voucher from financial services group Wesleyan.
Coles Miller Managing Partner Neil Andrews said: “Coles Miller congratulates Patrick on his winning essay. He has shown key characteristics for work in law; hard work, research, clear analysis and reporting. Well done!”
For more information, contact Coles Miller Marketing Manager Nick Balchin, (01202 673011), nbalchin@coles-miller.co.uk, www.coles-miller.co.uk