Free Law Society course on ESG standards for businesses

A free online course for companies on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards and reporting obligations is being offered by the Law Society for five weeks during June and July.

This follows the introduction of a new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) by the EU, by large companies are required to report on their ESG standards. It is also increasingly an area of focus for businesses of all sizes in terms of business strategy and planning.

The course will run from 11 June-31 July with new materials for the weekly modules released every Tuesday. Participants are encouraged to dedicate at least one hour per week to watch the videos, and to engage and learn at their own pace.

Expert speakers, lawyers and academics will examine many topics, including developing an ESG strategy for businesses, ESG reporting obligations, biodiversity and ecosystems, climate change and decarbonisation, diversity and inclusion, and ESG corporate governance issues.

The course is part of the Law Society's public legal education programme. Guest speakers include Ossian Smyth, Green Party TD and Minister of State with responsibility for Public Procurement, eGovernment and Circular Economy; Brian MacSharry, Head of Group, Nature and Biodiversity, European Environment Agency

Nessa Joyce, Partner, William Fry; Cliona Kimber SC, Chair of the Climate Bar Association; Jonathan Moore, Partner, Fieldfisher; Eamon O’ Connor, Senior Tax Manager, PwC; and Julie Hutton, Head of Operations, Irish Centre for Diversity.

You can find more information and how to apply for this year’s course here. 

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