CENTRE FOR ESG LAW AND PRACTICE
NAVIGATING THE COMPLEX ROLE OF LAW IN ESG
As Australian and global organisations respond to international ESG regulations, legal compliance and strategic capability have become increasingly important.
The Centre for ESG Law and Practice is an initiative developed by the College of Law to support legal and business communities navigate the complex role of law in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) frameworks.
The Centre for ESG Law and Practice is about creating an accessible, trusted and centralised source of ESG intelligence for the global legal and business community. We want to give young lawyers and professionals the chance to be at the forefront of ESG transformation.
Matthew Baird
Executive Director, Centre for ESG Law and Practice
FEATURED EVENT: ESG LAW & PRACTICE ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2026
24-25 November 2026 | Fullerton Hotel Sydney
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations have rapidly moved from the periphery of corporate strategy to the centre of legal obligation, regulatory scrutiny and stakeholder expectation. In Australia and globally, the pace of legislative change, regulatory guidance and judicial development continues to accelerate.
The ESG Law & Practice Annual Conference provides a forum for the Australian legal community to:
- Receive an annual update on ESG-related legal developments in Australia and internationally.
- Engage with practitioners, regulators and academics shaping ESG frameworks.
- Explore emerging areas of ESG risk, litigation and enforcement.
- Debate issues including greenwashing, mandatory disclosure, climate litigation and the social dimensions of ESG.
- Build networks across law, finance, corporate governance and civil society.
The two-day program is structured around six thematic pillars:
- Climate & Environmental Law
- Corporate Governance & Disclosure
- Social: Human Rights & Supply Chains
- ESG Finance & Investment
- Managing ESG Risk
- Emerging Frontiers
The Conference is designed for legal practitioners, corporate counsel, governance professionals, compliance and sustainability lawyers, regulators, government policy officers, academics, researchers, NGOs and civil society representatives.
Registrations opening soon.
OUR PEOPLE
Matthew has 35 years of experience in environmental law, including 15 years working in ASEAN and the Pacific practice of ESG. He is also the current Director of the Asian Research Institute for Environmental Law.
Dr Matthew Baird
ADVISORY BOARD
The Centre is supported by an international Advisory Board of distinguished leaders, including partners at top law firms, global ESG specialists and presidents of international and national law associations.
The Advisory Board supports the Centre and provides mentoring opportunities for students and young lawyers.
Dominique Hogan-Doran SC
Dominic Tayco
Kate Lazarus
Meg Lee
Claire Smith
Raphael Tay , Law Partnership
Shyam Divan
Matt Floro
Mark Beaufoy
Robyn Glindemann
Michael Chu
There is a groundswell of demand from young professionals for accessible and trusted ESG education and career pathways. The ESG Centre responds to that demand by connecting students and early-career professionals with the tools and mentors they need to lead change on a global scale.
James Jung
Executive Director International Strategy, College of Law
Related Articles
News
The College of Law drives global ESG education and policy with the launch of its Centre for ESG Law and Practice
The Centre for ESG Law and Practice is an initiative developed by the College of Law to support legal and business communities navigate the complex role of law in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) frameworks. It is critical that Australian and global organisations meet international ESG regulations as a matter of legal compliance and strategic capability.
News
How ESG will impact your area of practice in law
Four years ago, ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles barely registered, even today many people are left asking – “what is ESG?”. In a nutshell ESG is a framework that is used to assess a businesses’ sustainability and ethical performance. ESG principles are an ever-growing part of doing business today. For those wanting to know more about ESG the College of Law will be holding a free ESG in Australia seminar Thursday 18th of May onsite at the College headquarters in Sydney and online.
News
Austrade and the College of Law collaborate on major Malaysian ESG training program
The College of Law is spearheading legal education in the environmental, social and governance (ESG) space working closely with government and industry in the ASEAN region. The partnership with Austrade addresses the increasing demand for ESG training from ASEAN nations as they look to meet their transboundary obligations and work towards a more sustainable future.
LEARN MORE
The new Centre for ESG Law and Practice marks the College of Law’s commitment to supporting young lawyers and the future of the Australian legal industry.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ESG law refers to the legal and regulatory frameworks governing environmental protection, social responsibility, and governance obligations. It includes legislation, regulation, policy, and compliance requirements that affect organisations across sectors.
Programs are designed for legal professionals, in house counsel, regulators, government officials, executives and professionals working in regulated industries.
Yes. ESG education and training programs are customised to reflect organisational objectives, regulatory environments, and participant experience levels.
Yes. ESG programs may be delivered domestically or internationally, including as part of the College of Law’s international legal education programs.
ESG considerations are closely linked to governance structures, regulatory compliance, risk management, and accountability. Legal professionals play a key role in interpreting and applying these obligations in practice.
You can contact the Centre for ESG Law and Practice using the enquiry form on this page to discuss education, training, or collaboration opportunities.
