An annual panel discussion hosted by the In-house and Public Sector Committee and Law Society Skillnet is to return to Blackhall Place this year.

The event, which takes place on 10 May (2pm-4.30pm), offers 2.5 CPD hours, and registration is now open.

This year’s topic is the ‘social’ element of environmental, social and governance (ESG), and its impact on in-house solicitors and the organisations they serve across the public and private sectors.

Insights

The discussion will be facilitated by a panel of public and private sector in-house solicitors, private practitioners, and industry experts who will share personal observations and insights based on their career experiences.

Smaller break-out discussion groups will follow, providing an opportunity to learn and explore further the issues raised by the panel.

The event, on the ‘S’ in ESG, will look at:

• A general overview of the social aspect of ESG, which includes broad definitions of workers, value-chain workers, affected communities, consumers and end-users,
• Understanding the development of ESG – the inter-connection with governance and legal compliance,
• The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive – framing and developing the required policies.   

Chair and speakers

The discussion will also cover neuro-diversity, disability, LGBT+, and employment matters – including racial diversity and leave – exploring the obligations and opportunities for in-house practitioners.

Caroline Dee Brown (In-house and Public Sector Committee Chair, General Counsel and Director of Legal Services, Commission for Communications Regulation) will chair the discussion.

The speakers are:

• Richard Lee (Lee Solicitors),
• Maeve Delargy (Philip Lee LLP),
• Joy Tendai Kangere BL (specialist in employment law at the Bar of Ireland),
• Kate McKenna (Frontline Ventures Management Company Limited, Dublin),
• Marion O’Donnell (Director, Sustainable Investing, Fidelity International).