Catarina Pinto Correia and Marta Lima wrote the article “A Sustentabilidade nos Escritórios de Advogados: Um Work In Progress”, published in the Portuguese Bar Association’s Bulletin, reflecting on how sustainability is transforming not only clients’ businesses, but also the management of organisations and the evolution of the legal profession itself.

The article highlights the growing importance of sustainability as an area of legal practice, in a context shaped by the development of European legislation in areas such as carbon markets, sustainable finance, ESG reporting, human rights, the circular economy, due diligence obligations across value chains, deforestation and nature conservation. Against this backdrop, they emphasise that the role of lawyers extends beyond interpreting legislation to supporting clients in anticipating risks, identifying opportunities and integrating sustainability into strategic decision-making.

Their reflection also extends to the management of law firms themselves. Catarina Pinto Correia and Marta Lima argue that sustainability goes beyond reporting and is also closely linked to organisational culture and areas such as leadership, well-being, mental health, professional development, diversity, inclusion, ethics, transparency and good governance.

The article also highlights VdA’s approach, which includes the annual publication of its Responsible Business Report and the disclosure of its carbon footprint, incorporating areas related to the community, pro bono work, the environment and social impact.

Read the article here.