The three pillars of ESG (environmental, social and governance) are a focus for Boards and organisations globally, but where does the ‘S’ of ESG fit?  In a time of social activism, what does it mean for companies seeking to lead in this pillar? To what extent has ESG become too "woke" and what challenge does this present?

Presenters

Sean Selleck, Partner, Baker McKenzie
Sean has more than 30 years' experience advising small and large corporations multinational businesses and senior executives in relation to employment and industrial law. Sean has a special interest in non-standard labour practices (such as labour hire and the use of casual employees and independent contractors) and supply chain transparency, with a particular focus on labour law compliance and modern slavery in local and global supply chains. He is one of the Firm's leads in its ESG service line with responsibility for the Social element.


Lauren Miller, Associate, Baker McKenzie
Lauren is an Associate in the Employment Practice Group. Lauren assists international and Australian clients to navigate commercial issues with a focus on employee risks, entitlements and liabilities. Lauren practices in all areas of employment law and advises clients across employment contracts, policies, employee entitlements, modern award compliance, independent contractor issues, post-employment restraints, industrial relations, modern slavery risks, and on work health and safety issues. Lauren also has experience in a variety of employment-related contentious claims across State and Federal Courts, as well as in the Fair Work Commission. As an active member of the Firm’s BakerPride & Allies and BakerWomen committees, Lauren is also involved in diversity and inclusion initiatives at Baker McKenzie. Prior to joining Baker McKenzie, Lauren was an Associate to a Judge of the County Court’s Commercial Division.


Sara Summerbell, Special Counsel, Baker McKenzie
Sara is a Special Counsel in the Employment Practice Group. Sara advises both Australian-based and international clients across the spectrum of employment and labour relations law. Having worked extensively in-house both across Australia and overseas, Sara provides practical and commercial advice to legal and HR teams, senior management and Boards. Sara’s practice spans advising on employment contracts, policies and entitlements to the management of discrimination and equal opportunity matters, regulatory risks and sensitive compliance and conduct matters as well as disputes and post-employment litigation. Prior to joining Baker McKenzie, Sara was a principal and managing employment law counsel for BHP, one of the world's leading energy and resources companies. Working across the Asia Pacific and the United States, Sara advised senior management on all aspects of employment law and acted as the Legal team’s representative on BHP's global Inclusion and Diversity Committee.

In-House 10 Points Lunchtime Essentials Series

Attend this lunchtime series designed specifically for In-House Counsel to gain an update on the latest legal and commercial issues and risks impacting governance and In-House Counsel each day. Learn practical tips on how to deal with sexual harassment in a 2 hour session to kick off the series. Hear key takeaways for IP, consumer law, advertising, and marketing law, how to tackle the ‘S’ in ESG, make sure your business is ready for legislative changes in employment law and that you understand how to create and protect legal professional privilege in your role. Ensure that you understand the UCT provisions and hear some practical guidance regarding these, gain a timely update on cyber risk and cyber insurance as well as on risks and indemnities included in contracts. Hear practical tips on how to manage working with external counsel and internal stakeholders and steps you can implement to reduce the risk of accusations of greenwashing.