In a rapidly evolving global landscape, Ropes & Gray stands at the forefront of sustainability and green initiatives. We are deeply committed to responsible operations, ensuring our environmental footprint is minimal. We don't just advocate for a greener world; we strive every day to make it a reality.
Operations
Across our firm, we recycle all paper, aluminum, plastic and glass—and several offices engage in composting. Our use of sophisticated HVAC systems, motion sensor light switches, efficient lighting and specially designed faucets ensures reduced energy and water consumption. Our office locations manage day-to-day operations with waste reduction in mind, providing reusable utensils and mugs and offering filtered water and ice machines in lieu of bottled water, for example. We purchase Energy Star-rated computers and office equipment, and printers are configured to print double-sided by default. When taking on new space or planning construction, we make conscious decisions to reuse furniture and infrastructure when possible, and we responsibly recycle or donate items we no longer need. When purchasing new items, we consider durability, quality, and material content and make choices that are environmentally conscious.
Local “Green Teams” across our global offices are dedicated to promoting sustainability practices. These teams meet regularly to brainstorm and implement initiatives and challenges with the aim of encouraging sustainable choices, protecting the environment, and promoting personal health and well-being.
Proudly, several Ropes & Gray offices have received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Existing Buildings certification from the U.S. Green Building Council:
- Chicago (the world’s first LEED Core & Shell Gold Certified building)
- Boston (Gold Certified floors)
- New York (Gold Certified building)
- Silicon Valley (Gold Certified building)
- Washington, D.C. (Gold Certified floors)
- San Francisco (Gold Certified building)
- Los Angeles (Gold Certified building)
Pro Bono
Our commitment to environmental sustainability extends to our pro bono work.
We partner with global and local environmental organizations such as the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, Conservation Law Foundation, Blue Finance, Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute, Mass Audubon, and Green Pro Bono, among others, on pro bono projects to protect natural resources for generations to come.
We are also active in worldwide efforts to stem wildlife trafficking, protect forests, and combat illicit trade of natural resources.
Ropes & Gray is a member of Stanford Law School’s Lawyers for a Sustainable Economy, a law firm-led effort to provide pro bono legal services to sustainability-focused entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations. We are also a founding member of the Green Tech Legal Collaborative, an award-winning program in partnership with Bloomberg, which provides pro bono legal support to climate-positive and sustainability-focused startups at Imperial College London’s Enterprise Lab.
Advising on Innovative Sustainability Bonds Offering
Ropes & Gray advised Stanford University on the first “sustainability bonds” offering in U.S. higher education based on rigorous environmental stewardship and social responsibility standards certified by external verifiers. The offering was oversubscribed by several multiples.
The offering makes Stanford the first U.S. college or university to issue bonds carrying dual climate and sustainability designations. Stanford went to market selling $375 million in public market debt securities to help finance or refinance campus construction and renovation projects in the university’s capital plan.
The securities are in the emerging Environmental, Social and Governance investment category. Two ESG designations have been externally verified: the International Capital Markets Sustainability Bond designation and the more rigorous Climate Bond verification, reflecting alignment with the Paris accord. Both are based on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development goals.
Legal Practice
Ropes & Gray has a leading ESG, CSR and Business and Human Rights practice. Our global team of attorneys have been pioneers in this arena for more than three decades, delivering a long-term perspective and depth and breadth of experience that few firms can match.
The practice advises corporate clients, private equity and other asset managers and trade associations across a significant number of industries, asset classes and geographies. Some of the areas on which we advise include:
- Compliance with international standards and regulatory requirements
- Sustainable financial products and investments
- ESG integration, due diligence and more
Awards & Recognition
Recommended Firm for ESG
Ranked in The Legal 500’s “Green Guide United States” in 2025 for 4th consecutive year.
Leading Firm for Global ESG
Ranked for Global-wide Environmental, Social & Governance Risk in the Chambers Crisis & Risk Management in 2025 for 4th consecutive year.
“A” Rating by Law Students for Climate Accountability
Ranked at the top of the 2025 Law Firm Climate Change Scorecard in 2025.
Champion Award for Exemplary Forestry Investment Fund
Honored by the New England Forestry Foundation for excellence and dedication to forest conservation and sustainable forest management in 2024.
Highly Commended in Sustainability and ESG
Honored by Financial Times in 2024 for the Green Tech Legal Collaborative in partnership with Bloomberg, which provides pro bono legal support to start-ups addressing climate change.