Materiality
A materiality assessment is crucial for identifying and prioritising the issues that matter most to our firm and stakeholders.
At Bird & Bird, we are dedicated to protecting and safeguarding the interests of all our stakeholders, including our people, clients, and communities. We have therefore taken steps to identify what are the most material sustainability topics for our firm.
Material topics
Using the initial assessment above, we identified 14 material topics.
This outlines our approach to ensuring that our business practices not only comply with legal standards but also reflect our dedication to making a positive impact for all our stakeholders.
Climate Change
Implications
Climate change presents a complex array of financial, social, and environmental implications. It offers opportunities to help our clients transition to sustainable practices and potentially attracting diverse talent who prioritise environmental responsibility. Financially, we may face increased insurance premiums due to heightened risks, and the potential loss of clients who are adversely affected by climate impacts. Socially, we must navigate the evolving expectations of stakeholders and communities, ensuring they contribute positively to environmental sustainability.
How we address them
Our approach involves a thorough assessment of these factors within our risk management taxonomy, ensuring that we are prepared to mitigate potential impacts and capitalise on emerging opportunities. We publicly disclose our strategies and carbon financial disclosures using the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework, demonstrating our commitment to transparency and accountability. Additionally, our net zero targets have been verified by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Further details of how we are addressing climate change can be found in our annual financial statements within our climate-related financial report.
Impact
Risk
UN SDG
Employee health, safety & wellbeing
Implications
Prioritising these areas can significantly improve the attraction and retention of talent, as employees are more likely to stay with us as we value their wellbeing. A focus on health and safety ensures a functional and productive workforce, reducing absenteeism and increasing overall efficiency. Additionally, ensuring the safety of our people both in and out of the office fosters a culture of trust and responsibility. There are potential increases in insurance risks and premiums if health and safety standards are not adequately maintained. Failure to prioritise these aspects can lead to higher turnover rates, loss of talent, and potential legal liabilities.
How we address them
Our global approach to health and safety is guided by the UK Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, recognising that local regulations vary and adapting our policies accordingly. We are responsible for promoting responsible attitudes towards Health & Safety at Work (H&SAW) and ensuring that we are mitigating or managing any risks identified through a risk assessment relevant to an individual’s role. Also, we ensure all our people are aware of our policies and up to date with H&SAW matters applicable to our operations.
We support wellbeing through a broad range of initiatives and benefits. These may include access to discounts, wellbeing activities, and various forms of leave, with each office adapting its approach to reflect local expectations and needs of our people.
Mental Health and Wellbeing is a pillar within our Diversity & Inclusion strategy which supports the wellbeing of our people and removes any stigma regarding discussing and addressing mental health in the workplace.
In 2024, this was reinforced by becoming a signatory to the Mindforward Alliance Leadership Pledge, a global initiative aimed at businesses and their leadership to build mentally healthy workplaces.
In October 2025, we launched our first global wellbeing programme, Wellbeing@Birds, which is our approach to fostering a healthy and productive workplace. Further details of this programme will be highlighted in our next responsible business report.
Impacts
Risk
UN SDG
Human rights
Implications
Championing human rights and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace can inspire trust and loyalty among our stakeholders.
Failing to uphold human rights standards can lead to reputational damage, loss of clients, and potential legal repercussions.
How we address them
We are dedicated to upholding human rights across all aspects of our operations. We have implemented various policies to support this commitment, ensuring that our practices align with the highest ethical standards. Our ongoing efforts to raise awareness about human rights are reinforced through our active participation in the UN Global Compact Network. We also provide training to our suppliers on these critical topics, fostering a shared understanding and commitment to human rights.
As we continue to grow globally and potentially require more goods and services to meet the needs of our clients, we will continue to review our human rights due diligence processes. This proactive approach helps us identify and mitigate potential risks, ensuring that our expansion supports the wellbeing of all stakeholders involved.
We are committed to ensuring fair compensation for all our people. As part of this commitment, we aim to pay the national living wage or its equivalent to everyone within the jurisdictions in which we operate. This reflects our dedication to supporting the well-being and financial security of our people, ensuring that they are fairly rewarded for their contributions to our firm.
Impacts
Risk
UN SDG
Training & skills development
Implications
Investing continuously in education and professional development can significantly enhance employee satisfaction and retention of our people who feel valued and empowered. A commitment to growth fosters a culture of excellence and innovation, attracting top talent and improving our overall performance. Additionally, well-trained employees are better equipped to serve our clients effectively, enhancing our reputation and client satisfaction.
How we address them
With access to comprehensive learning and development opportunities, 100% of our people can further their skills and knowledge. Our programmes cater to both fee earners and business services professionals, offering a diverse range of options through our global curriculum, mentorship initiatives, and digital learning resources.
Our flagship programmes, the Future Leaders Programme and the Global Women's Development Programme, exemplify our dedication to fostering leadership and promoting gender diversity within the firm.
Impacts
Risk
UN SDG
Diversity & Inclusion
Implications
Fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace can enhance creativity, innovation, and problem-solving by bringing together varied perspectives and experiences. This commitment can attract top talent who value an inclusive environment, improving employee satisfaction and retention. Additionally, a diverse workforce can better understand and serve a broad range of clients, enhancing our reputation and client relationships.
How we address them
In 2021, we launched our global D&I strategy, taking significant steps to ensure the principles of diversity and inclusion are embedded in the way we operate as a firm. D&I is firmly recognised as a leadership priority and a core part of our strategy, our employee networks have grown, new D&I committees have been established, and we have introduced policies, procedures and training to actively support inclusive decision making.
Impacts
Opportunity
UN SDG
Privacy, data protection & cyber security
Implications
Robust data protection and cyber security measures can enhance client trust and confidence, attracting new clients and retaining existing ones. This commitment to privacy can also safeguard our reputation and prevent costly data breaches. Additionally, investing in advanced security technologies can lead to operational efficiencies and long-term cost savings. Failure to adequately protect data can result in severe financial penalties, legal liabilities, and loss of clients.
How we address them
Excellence in our approach to information security is critical to the success of Bird & Bird, and therefore we invest a great deal of time and resources to ensure that we meet and exceed the standards that all our stakeholders expect.
Our IT systems and infrastructure are engineered with robust security controls to safeguard our information. Comprehensive audits and reporting ensure that we maintain compliance with all relevant regulations and standards.
To further demonstrate our commitment to security for all our people, processes and technology, we are certified to ISO 27001 standards across the entire firm (with the exception of our new offices in Saudi Arabia, Japan and Portugal, which we aim to certify to these standards over the coming months).
Our privacy policies set out our obligations when processing personal data and the responsibilities of our people when handling personal data.
As a law firm and data controller, we are required to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and all applicable local laws in each of our operating jurisdictions.
We are committed to safeguarding personal data and ensuring that our practices meet the highest standards of privacy and security.
Impacts
Risk
UN SDG
Sustainable procurement
Implications
Investing in sustainable procurement promotes environmental stewardship by minimising our carbon footprint. Socially, it supports ethical practices and fair labour conditions, enhancing our reputation and fostering trust among clients and other stakeholders. Financially, sustainable procurement can lead to long-term cost savings through efficient resource use.
How we address them
Sustainable procurement and ethical sourcing are integral to our commitment to responsible business practices. Our Supplier Code of Conduct underpins these efforts, ensuring that our suppliers align with our values and high standards. This year, we have also revised our supplier onboarding questionnaire to include only the critical information needed, streamlining the process while maintaining rigorous standards. This initiative is further supported by our comprehensive purchasing guidelines and a new centralised onboarding system for new suppliers.
In March 2025, in partnership with the UN Global Compact Network, we rolled out a pilot training programme to educate our suppliers on the key topics of environment, human rights, labour, and anti-corruption. 84 individuals from 70 of our key suppliers across 15 countries actively participated in this programme with 91% of participants finding the programme useful. This is the first phase of plans to collaborate with our suppliers, further initiatives will be implemented over the next 12 months.
Impacts
Risk
UN SDG
Client representation
Implications
Ensuring that we work with the right clients is crucial for sustainable growth and fostering long-term relationships. This alignment can also mitigate reputational risks and open opportunities for growth and collaboration. Financially, working with the right clients can lead to stable revenue streams and reduced risk of legal complications.
How we address them
Our commitment to client representation is guided by our "Right Client, Right Work" policy, which ensures we have the necessary checks and oversight in place to safeguard our firm and all our stakeholders.
This thorough evaluation process is supported by robust governance and an established escalation process, ensuring that we maintain the highest standards of integrity and responsibility in our client relationships.
Impacts
Risk
UN SDG
Talent attraction & retention
Implications
Attracting and retaining top talent fosters a culture of excellence and drives innovation. Socially, a satisfied and engaged workforce contributes to a positive work environment, improving morale and productivity.
How we address them
We prioritise the growth and success of our people through a robust performance management process. Every colleague participates in a performance and career development review at least once a year, ensuring continuous personal and professional growth. We foster a culture of open feedback, integral to our review processes, which encourages transparent communication and constructive dialogue.
Additionally, we provide opportunities for promotion, recognising and rewarding the hard work and achievements of our people. Our approach to performance management also includes comprehensive training opportunities, along with clear policies and guidance for both reviewers and reviewees, ensuring that everyone is well-equipped to engage in meaningful and productive reviews.
Impacts
Risk
UN SDG
Anti-bribery & corruption
Implications
Anti-bribery and corruption measures are essential for maintaining our integrity and reputation. Robust policies and practices in this area enhance trust and credibility with clients and regulatory bodies. This commitment to ethical conduct can attract clients who value integrity and reduce the risk of legal penalties and financial losses associated with corrupt practices.
How we address them
We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct and compliance with all applicable laws. We are subject to local legislation in the jurisdictions in which we operate, including the UK Bribery Act 2010, and we require all our people - regardless of their location or status, including members, partners, employees, agency workers, consultants, and contractors - to adhere to the relevant laws.
Our policies are designed to ensure full compliance with legal requirements and to meet the expectations of our clients and therefore we provide our people with the necessary training and e-learning courses to support them.
To monitor compliance, we maintain robust accounting procedures, financial reporting, and controls in accordance with applicable laws and best practices.
We do not make any contributions to political parties.
Impacts
Risk
Pro bono & legal aid
Implications
Providing these services enhances access to justice for underserved communities, promoting social equity and fairness. This commitment can improve our reputation, demonstrating a dedication to social responsibility and ethical practice. It also offers opportunities for our lawyers to gain diverse experience and develop a deeper understanding of various le
How we address them
Pro bono is a key priority within our responsible business strategy. Over the last 12 months, we have spent time collating our pro bono efforts to report on this more effectively across the firm whilst also identifying areas of focus for our pro bono work linked to the UN SDGs.
Additionally, we have implemented a new approach to pro bono including a global pro bono policy, pro bono capture form and built on our presence by becoming involved in several global pro bono networks, and identifying pro bono partners in 90% of our locations where we practice local law.
Impacts
Risk
UN SDG
ESG advice to clients
Implications
Providing ESG advice to clients opens new opportunities as our clients increasingly seek guidance on sustainable and ethical practices and therefore it is important we can support their needs. This can help us to develop even deeper connections and understanding of our clients, fostering long-term relationships and loyalty.
How we address them
Recognising the importance of ESG to our clients, we have spent a considerable amount of time gaining our practice and sector expertise across our locations to build a comprehensive offering to support across several ESG-related matters.
We provide insights and tools for our clients which is led by our ESG Client Group.
Impacts
Risk
UN SDG
Risk & compliance management
Implications
Robust risk and compliance measures can reduce the likelihood of costly legal issues and financial penalties, enhancing our stability and reputation. Effective management of these areas can also lead to lower insurance premiums, as insurers may offer better rates to firms with strong compliance records. Additionally, proactive fraud prevention and AML measures can protect us from financial losses and reputational damage.
How we address them
We maintain the highest standards of integrity and protection. We have comprehensive insurance coverage, including professional indemnity, cyber liability and business continuity insurance to safeguard our operations. Our risk framework and taxonomy enable us to identify and manage risks across the firm effectively. Additionally, we have established policies, procedures, and oversight mechanisms to address critical areas such as financial crime, fraud, business acceptance, anti-money laundering (AML), client terms, and complaints.
We also have robust Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) in place within each office.
Impacts
Risk
Innovation & technology
Implications
Adopting advanced technologies can lead to increased efficiency, and the creation of new revenue streams. These innovations can also enhance client services and improve competitive positioning. Environmentally, leveraging technology can support reduction in our carbon footprint through digitalisation and aligning with our wider sustainability goals
How we address them
Our commitment to innovation and technology is exemplified in early 2025 by the global rollout of AI solutions designed to support both fee earners and business services. Through the implementation of Legora and Microsoft Copilot, we are transforming the way we deliver services to our clients and support our people.
These advanced AI tools enable us to remain efficient, diligent and proactive in managing our clients' legal matters, grounded in the responsible, risk-aware approach that our clients expect of us. By leveraging AI, we ensure that our services are not only cutting-edge but also tailored to meet the evolving needs of our clients, maintaining our position at the forefront of the legal industry.
Impacts
Risk
UN SDG