Freshfields Expands London Team, Adding Partner to Global ESG and Sustainability Practic

Freshfields Expands London Team, Adding Partner to Global ESG and Sustainability Practice

The British law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (Freshfields) has revealed that Doug Bryden, a well-known specialist in environmental, regulatory, and governance law, is set to become a partner within the firm's worldwide ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and sustainability practice. He will be based in London.

Bryden comes to Freshfields from Travers Smith, where he held the position of Head of Environment & Operational Regulatory and co-headed its ESG and Impact Group.

Bryden's expertise centres on various ESG and regulatory matters, primarily assisting boards and investors in devising ESG and governance strategies, managing ESG transparency, obligations, and addressing ESG crisis situations.

Bryden's sector-specific knowledge includes the energy, petrochemical, manufacturing, consumer products, and technology industries. He guides asset managers and owners regarding EU and UK sustainable finance regimes and ESG-related risks.

Bryden will collaborate closely with Freshfields' worldwide sustainability team to bolster the firm's global ESG services.

"The appointment of Doug is part of Freshfields’ wider strategic focus on investing in core areas, including private capital. He will enhance our existing ESG and environmental practice, where clients increasingly require support on navigating ESG investment strategies and frameworks,” London Transactions Head, Andrew Hutchings, said.

Commenting on Bryden’s appointment, Vanessa Jakovich, also an ESG partner based in London said: “As our client’s ESG needs continue to grow and evolve, Doug’s market-leading expertise will expand our ability to deliver both excellent service and creative new solutions. I look forward to working with Doug to help our clients design and implement their ESG strategies.”

Freshfields Global Partner for Client Sustainability, Tim Wilkins said: “With legislation advancing around the world designed to support net zero targets, and investors assessing ESG risk and pushing for more transparency, Doug increases our strong bench of advisors with decades of market-leading experience on sustainability solutions that are innovative and commercial."

Bryden's addition to Freshfields' London office follows the hiring of Jake Reynolds in 2022, a Cambridge academic who assumed the role of Head of Client Sustainability & Environment within the firm. This appointment underscores Freshfields' commitment to providing strategic legal counsel to clients as they undertake the shift towards more sustainable operational frameworks.