Innovation

Eversheds Sutherland is redefining how a global law firm can contribute to sustainable development by combining legal expertise with ethical, social, and environmental responsibility. The firm’s innovation lies in helping clients adopt fair labor practices, promote diversity and inclusion, protect human rights, and address climate change through actionable legal strategies.

In alignment with SDG 13 (Climate Action), the firm plays a key role in renewable energy projects. For example, it advised The Renewables Infrastructure Group (TRIG) on investing in the 396-megawatt Merkur Offshore Wind Farm in Germany’s North Sea, capable of powering over half a million homes. Similarly, it guided Norges Bank Investment Management in acquiring a 50% stake in the 752-megawatt Borssele 1 & 2 Offshore Wind Farm in the Netherlands and supported the 96-megawatt Clocaenog Forest Onshore Wind Farm in Wales. These projects demonstrate how Eversheds Sutherland merges law, innovation, and sustainability to advance renewable energy.

Beyond energy, the firm commits significant time to pro bono legal work, dedicating more than 16,000 hours to helping individuals, charities, and nonprofits. This supports SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), showing that legal services can deliver both business value and social impact.

Inspiration

Leadership at Eversheds Sutherland is inspired by a deep respect for the firm’s history, a commitment to upholding the rule of law, putting people first, and thinking globally with fresh ideas. The firm values collaboration, creativity, professionalism, inclusiveness, and accountability, and takes its responsibility to clients and the wider business community seriously.

They enjoy working across multinational teams and collaborating with different departments to deliver innovative, responsible legal solutions — and to stay connected through international travel and shared learning. Their focus remains on developing practical and creative solutions that meet clients’ needs while maintaining the highest ethical and professional standards. Training the next generation of lawyers is a key part of this vision, helping young professionals reach their full potential.As the leadership reflects: “Success isn’t just about maintaining what works — it’s about building on strengths and making them better.”

People are at the heart of their inspiration. The firm doesn’t just focus on numbers or cases; it cares deeply about its clients, staff, and partners. Cross-departmental collaboration — including areas like accounting and finance — enables teams to develop innovative solutions that truly add value. By supporting people, encouraging creativity, and fostering a positive culture, the leadership ensures that everyone can do their best work and contribute to the firm’s shared success.

Overall impact

Eversheds Sutherland’s impact is visible across multiple levels. In 2022, the firm helped TRIG purchase an 11% stake in the Merkur Offshore Wind Farm, a 396-megawatt project with 66 turbines that now powers over 500,000 homes in Germany. Around the same time, it advised Norges Bank Investment Management on its €1.375 billion acquisition of a 50% stake in the Borssele 1 & 2 Wind Farm in the Netherlands. These efforts directly contribute to reducing fossil fuel dependency and combating climate change.

Short-term, its legal support accelerated wind farm development by streamlining regulatory approvals and minimizing delays. Its 16,000+ pro bono hours provided access to justice for underserved individuals, charities, and social organizations.

Long-term, the firm’s work on renewable energy projects helps Germany and the Netherlands meet their 2040 emission reduction targets, foster clean energy jobs, and build resilient economies.

By combining responsible ethics with business acumen, Eversheds Sutherland demonstrates how law can be a force for both profitability and positive global change.

Business benefit

By advising on major renewable energy projects like Merkur and Borssele, Eversheds Sutherland strengthened its reputation as a trusted partner in the clean energy and sustainability sectors. This work opened new markets across Europe, expanded its client base, and generated additional advisory revenue, positioning the firm as a leading legal advisor in energy transition projects.

The firm’s global growth continues — in 2025, it opened a new office in Silicon Valley to support clients in the technology sector, with plans to expand to Dublin and Belfast. In Spain, the firm reported €22.3 million in turnover in 2023, an 11% increase from 2022. These achievements underscore Eversheds Sutherland’s expanding influence and market reach.

This has also impacted employee experience and engagement positively. Lawyers and staff involved in renewable energy and pro bono work report higher job satisfaction and morale, contributing to retention and well-being. These efforts simultaneously enhance the firm’s visibility, reputation, and profitability — proving that doing good is good business.

Social and environmental benefit

Eversheds Sutherland’s sustainability-driven initiatives create measurable benefits for both society and the planet. The firm has pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, targeting a 98% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and 50% in Scope 3 by 2030, while adopting energy-efficient technologies and redesigning office spaces to lower environmental impact.

Beyond its internal commitments, the firm’s work on renewable energy projects strengthens climate resilience (SDG 13), reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and accelerates the global transition to clean energy. These projects also generate green jobs and economic opportunities (SDG 8), demonstrating that legal innovation can promote sustainable growth.

Through more than 16,000 hours of pro bono service, Eversheds Sutherland empowers underserved communities, assists asylum seekers, and partners with organizations such as the International Rescue Committee (IRC) to provide legal aid to those affected by humanitarian crises. These initiatives directly advance SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by expanding access to justice and fostering inclusion.

Finally, by collaborating with clients, governments, NGOs, and universities worldwide, the firm reinforces SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) — proving that cross-sector cooperation is essential for lasting change. By leveraging its legal expertise for both environmental and social good, Eversheds Sutherland exemplifies how a global law firm can drive sustainable transformation and shared prosperity through responsible business leadership.

Interview

Juan Eugenio Diaz, Commercial Lawyer