#2 Pioneering ESG Law and Shaping the Transition Economy – A Conversation with Vanessa Havard-Williams OBE

In this episode, Philippa speaks with Vanessa Havard-Williams OBE, one of the most influential figures in ESG and environmental law. 

Vanessa joined Linklaters in 1988, became partner in 1999 and, across a 37-year career, built and led the firm’s environmental, climate, human rights and crisis management practices long before ESG became a global priority. 

Her work spans private practice, government and international markets, including leading the UK Transition Finance Market Review and contributing to the Transition Plan Taskforce.

Vanessa reflects on the formative moments that shaped her early conviction about environmental law, the resistance she faced when ESG was seen as a niche specialism, and the tenacity required to build a practice in a field that did not yet exist.

She shares:

• What inspired the early business case for Linklaters’ environmental practice and why US and European regulation signalled a major shift long before it reached the UK.
  
  
• How ESG evolved from “non-financial risk” to a core strategic issue, and why boards must recognise both the financial opportunities and the systemic risks.
  
  
• Where board-level knowledge gaps persist, and the practical ways non-executives can upskill, horizon-scan and challenge effectively.
  
  
• Why inertia is one of the biggest barriers to progress, and how human behaviour, bias and overwhelm influence decision-making.
  
  
• Insights from chairing the UK Transition Finance Market Review, including the need for joined-up policy, sector pathways and global collaboration.
  
  
• Why SMEs, supply chains and strategic communication matter in accelerating the UK’s transition economy.
  
  
• What she is most proud of after three decades in ESG law, and the unfinished business that continues to motivate her work.

A rich, candid and expansive conversation with a leader whose influence has shaped how ESG is understood in law, finance and government — and who remains deeply committed to helping markets transition with clarity and purpose.

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