ESG
Overview
With respect to capital markets and investments, ESG factors are becoming increasingly important for IPOs, bond issuances and M&A decisions alike. Sustainability has gained public consciousness, in connection with the commercial and financial factors. Decision makers envisage sustainable investments, analysing the ESG impact.
Sustainable finance has a global impact and represents a top priority. Our firm advises clients such as banks, institutional lenders, or funds in respect of sustainability criteria. Our approach envisages green finance, ESG funds or green real estate finance.
Areas of Work
- Environment
- Sustainable financing, including green bonds
- Climate change risk disclosure
- Social
- Health and safety
- Fair labour practices
- Governance
- Sustainability reporting
- Anti-corruption and regulatory compliance policies
Selected Assignments
- Legal assistance and representation in the The Colectiv Project for 45 survivors and persons close to the victims from Colectiv Club, in one of the largest and most complex pro bono projects carried out in Romania, for almost 6 years, with the participation of the attorneys at law in hundreds of prosecution activities and presence in front of the court of law at over 150 hearings, with a total volume of work of over 3,000 hours of legal assistance on penal matters. The Colectiv pro bono project, awarded in the Best ESG Initiative category at The Lawyer European Awards 2022, was considered by the international jury as the initiative with the highest social impact carried out by a law firm in Europe;
- Review of the standard retail loan documentation from an ESG perspective for a major credit institution;
- Assistance on green procurement issues for a contracting authority in the healthcare sector.
Awards & Accolades
Insights & News
Insurance is another area where ESG has strong impact. Insurers are forced to meet expectations with actions, especially on climate concerns, such as managing increasing climate change risks and the transition to a low carbon economy. Therefore, a clear ESG strategy is no longer optional. Insurers need to explain to their stakeholders on the way they are responding to the issue.
With respect to public procurement, the contracting authorities need to assess strategic themes and include ESG award criteria. Prospective bidders must evaluate the extent to which they can deliver the stated ESG objectives in each procurement and need to demonstrate or verify ESG criteria when submitting tenders.
Our expertise covers contentious and non-contentious matters inter alia across banking, insurance, M&A and capital markets, PPs and PPPs.
Our practice is multidisciplinary, covering the rapid progress of the ESG domain. We take a cross-disciplinary approach, involving lawyers from different practice areas who share their strong knowledge of this evolving field with the customers seeking support on ESG issues. Our lawyers monitor quickly growing ESG rules and obligations and support our clients to navigate in the implementation of a variety of ESG measures.
One client praises the firm’s capacity to respond to requests and mobilise at short notice. ‘This rapidity in their reaction as well as the professionalism of their advice clearly distinguishes them from other companies’, she says. The team also demonstrated impressive knowledge of private international law and environmental law.
GAR 100 ǀ 2018
One client says: This rapidity in their reaction as well as the professionalism of their advice clearly distinguishes them from other companies.
GAR 100 ǀ 2019
Peers and clients say about Cosmin Cojocaru: “Cosmin is a smart practitioner”; “He is brilliant and great to work with”; “He is one of the best in the country”.
(Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration ǀ 2023)
“Cosmin is really a go-to arbitration lawyer in Romania. I tell everyone: if you have an issue in Romania, go to him.”
(Chambers & Partners ǀ 2023)
Peers and clients say about Violeta Saranciuc: “She always demonstrates strong commitment to clients’ needs”; “I appreciated her professional and tailored approach to each aspect of the project”; “Violeta is a first-class lawyer”.
(Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration ǀ 2022)
Peers and clients say about Cosmin Vasile: “An impressive lawyer with a great attitude”; He has strong expertise in construction and engineering arbitrations”; “A leader in international arbitration in Romania”.
(Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration ǀ 2021)
Peers and clients say about Violeta Saranciuc: “Violeta does an excellent job examining witnesses and experts”; “She is outstanding when dealing with the numerous procedural issues that can arise during arbitration hearings”.
(Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration ǀ 2023)
Peers and clients say about Cosmin Vasile: “An expert in the field of international arbitration”; “He clearly understands the client’s commercial goals and is an excellent tactical thinker”; “He is a result-oriented lawyer with commercially sound judgement”.
(Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration ǀ 2022)
Ingo Steinwender of CA Immobilien Anlagen used Vasile for a VIAC dispute over a construction project and calls him “a first-class dispute resolution lawyer, capable of managing complex cases with great tactical judgement”.
(GAR 100 ǀ 2023)
Cosmin Vasile is ‘a star’ in the arbitration market, say peers who note he is ‘experienced and reliable, and has a great attitude’.
Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration ǀ 2020