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Baker McKenzie adds ESG partner from rival firm
Baker McKenzie has bolstered its environmental, social and corporate governance offering with the appointment of a new partner, who joins the firm’s Sydney office.
Lauren Croft
The newest ESG partner, Ruth Dawes, joins from rival firm King & Wood Mallesons and has extensive experience working on major project planning and approval pathways, biodiversity, Aboriginal cultural heritage, climate change, land contamination and remediation, along with environmental compliance.
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Baker McKenzie’s national managing partner, Anthony Foley, said that Ms Dawes further complements Baker McKenzie’s unique combination of local expertise and international perspectives.
“Ruth is familiar with all aspects of environment and planning law, with particular experience advising on major projects, sustainability, renewable energy zones and transmission infrastructure,” he said.
“Ruth is passionate about helping businesses find new opportunities in transitioning to a net zero emissions future.”
The appointment of an ESG partner enables Baker McKenzie to merge a traditional environmental law practice with a specialised climate change, carbon market and sustainability practice – and Mr Foley added that ESG issues were important for both the firm and its clients.
“The duty of managing environmental risks and liabilities while attending to environmental regulatory challenges and compliance, has never been more critical to our clients as we move further towards a decarbonised economy,” he said.
“Ruth’s appointment furthers our commitment to addressing these challenges for our clients.”
Commenting on her new position, Ms Dawes said: “Baker McKenzie has long been the market leader in delivering ESG advice to clients, particularly as it relates to climate change and the environment.
“Recent developments in the financial markets and at COP26 reinforce that our clients need to be considering climate related risk and sustainability disclosure. These issues span economic sectors and borders. I look forward to working with a highly experienced, Australian and global team with its integrated Energy Transition and Projects practices.”
