Ashurst took the award for Future of Legal Services Innovation (Large Private Practice) for the creation and launch of ESG Ready, the firm's first digital advice product offering, which helps to simplify compliance with new EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation. It was a collaboration between the firm's European financial regulatory team and digital services & products arm, Ashurst Advance Digital.
Lorraine Johnston, financial regulatory partner and product originator said:
"We are delighted that Legal Week has recognised our efforts to bring innovation, creativity and new thinking to the legal sector. We saw a way that we could help our clients better manage their ESG regulatory compliance and achieve significant cost savings in the process."
Tara Waters, partner and Head of Ashurst Advance Digital added:
"This award is a reflection of our focus on transforming how we deliver our legal advice and expertise to our clients, and a recognition of the fantastic people we have at Ashurst who contribute to and drive these innovative projects."
The firm's Modern Slavery Action Plan also won the CSR Innovation (Social) award. With more than 40 million people caught in forms of modern slavery today, Ashurst recognised the role the firm could play, as a global law firm and member of the business community, in helping to eradicate all forms of modern slavery.
Sarah Morton-Ramwell, partner and global head of pro bono and social impact, said:
"Winning the CSR Innovation (Social) award is wonderful recognition of Ashurst's strong culture of support for social impact and pro bono. Our Modern Slavery Action Plan has allowed us to greatly expand our existing pro bono work and partnerships in this critical area, as well as rollout new initiatives which aim to combat modern slavery around the world."
Hosted by Legal Week the awards aim to recognise innovation in the legal sector and precedent-setting, game-changing projects and initiatives.
