Harper Macleod’s ESG impact recognised at two industry-leading honours in a week
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Law firm named ESG Firm of the Year and only Scottish-headquartered firm to be named in Legal 500 Green Guide – both for the second year running
In the space of a week, Harper Macleod has been recognised in two industry-leading honours for the impact it makes and its approach to environmental accountability, social responsibility and robust governance.
For the second year running, Harper Macleod has been named ESG Firm of the Year at the Legal 500 Scotland Awards and ranked in the prestigious Legal 500 Green Guide 2025.
Harper Macleod is the only Scottish-headquartered law firm, and one of 52 UK firms in the Green Guide, many of which operate internationally.
The Legal 500 Green Guide showcases “the key UK law firms leading the way in sustainability, reflecting the evolving landscape as ESG and the green transition continued to reshape the market in 2024”.
Martin Darroch, chief executive of Harper Macleod, said: “For a country which is at the forefront of renewable energy and the green transition, we believe these honours show how seriously we take our impact on society, and our connections with both industry and policy. This recognition shows that we aim to be judged on our actions and the difference we can make to our clients, colleagues and communities where we live and work.”
The independently researched Green Guide highlights Harper Macleod as being “at the forefront of the country’s green transition, acting for 26 of Scotland’s 31 planning authorities and advising on major renewable energy projects across the region. It is also involved in the development of cutting-edge green legislation.”
The guide also calls out its market-leading environmental litigation practice, led by Jennifer Jack, the sustainable land development team, led by Tom Gray, and renewable energy team which has advised on projects delivering more than 40% of the total renewable electricity development installed in Scotland, led by Omar Ali.
For a country which is at the forefront of renewable energy and the green transition, we believe these honours show how seriously we take our impact on society, and our connections with both industry and policy. This recognition shows that we aim to be judged on our actions and the difference we can make to our clients, colleagues and communities where we live and work
Harper Macleod aims to make a positive contribution towards a greener planet in its own internal practices and policies, with the aim to achieve net zero by 2045. The firm’s net zero journey is underpinned by its ESG framework which includes a Sustainability Policy, Carbon Reduction Plan and ESG Route Map.
Its framework commits the business to sustainable practices and minimising its environmental impact. Since 2018, Harper Macleod has reduced electricity consumption by 21% and total emissions by 46%.