Responsible Business

Freeths IMPACT is our responsible business mission to make a positive difference across Colleagues, Communities, Climate, and Clients. This mission is integral to our wider purpose: unlocking possibilities through the power of law with people at heart. 

Our B Corp certification underpins our commitment to high standards of environmental and social impact, transparency, and governance, and is embedded within our One Firm. One Future 2030 strategy.

We know we have work to do, but we are making progress. 

Colleagues

We are dedicated to supporting our people to thrive in an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment. In 2025, 94% of colleagues agreed Freeths is a great place to work, and we achieved Investors in People Gold accreditation. We improved representation in key areas, and our staff networks grew by 43%. Over 100 colleagues are now trained Mental Health First Aiders, and our wellbeing programmes have expanded to support sustainable mental health and performance.

Communities

Freeths has contributed over £150,000 to national charities since 2022 and we delivered 900 hours of community engagement in 2025. Our pro bono work includes ongoing support for organisations like Global Generation and Launch Foods Foundation. We are committed to widening access to law through outreach, bursaries, and partnerships.

Climate

We have achieved an 8% reduction in overall emissions and a 19% reduction in emissions per employee compared to our baseline year. We have a 2040 net zero target validated by Planet Mark. aligning with the Science-Based Targets initiative. We are embedding Sustainability in our procurement, premises, and travel policies, and are looking to develop further environmental pro bono work and volunteering.

Clients

We take an ethics and risk-based approach to client and supplier alignment, guided by our Responsible Business and Risk & Ethics Committees.  We seek to drive positive impact through our client work - our Clean Energy, Waste and Sustainability sector group now includes over 100 lawyers, supporting clients to decarbonise and work towards net zero. Our Natural Capital team and ESG specialists deliver training, thought leadership, and practical legal solutions to drive positive change.

Governance

The Responsible Business Committee, a sub-committee of the Management Board, ensures regular review of progress and immediate escalation of relevant risks. We conduct regular materiality assessments and transparently report our social and environmental performance.

Looking ahead

Freeths IMPACT will continue to guide our responsible business journey, ensuring we remain agile, evidence-led, and authentic in a rapidly evolving environment. 

We have had a Responsible Business Committee since May 2021 and its importance to our firm is underlined by the fact that it reports directly to the Board and is made up of representatives from the Management Board, HR and senior lawyers.

Responsible Business Report

Each year we publish a report setting out our impact and priorities across Colleagues, Communities, Climate and Clients.

Find out more about Freeths IMPACT and the steps we are taking on our B Corp journey here.

View our previous reports:

• 2024