Legal Advisory on Sustainability, Corporate Governance & Regulatory ESG Requirements
Environment, Social, and Governance — or ESG — are no longer mere buzzwords but a central regulatory focus for companies of all sizes.
In addition to growing societal pressure, businesses now face tightened legal obligations: from the EU Taxonomy and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) to Germany’s Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG)and industry-specific ESG requirements. Non-compliance can lead to significant liability, reputational damage, and even criminal risks.
As ESG compliance lawyers, Pragal & Prinzenberg support companies in implementing ESG requirements lawfully, minimizing risks, and developing sustainable corporate strategies that inspire confidence among both investors and regulators.
ESG in Business: Opportunities and Risks in Focus
Implementing ESG requirements is not just a matter of compliance — it can also be a competitive advantage. At the same time, companies face severe sanctions if obligations are not met. The main risk areas include:
- Environmental (E): Climate and environmental regulations, energy efficiency, CO₂ reporting, and sustainable supply chains.
- Social (S): Occupational safety, diversity & inclusion, fair working conditions, and protection of human rights throughout the supply chain.
- Governance (G): Integrity in corporate management, anti-corruption measures, transparent reporting, and compliance with supervisory and control duties.
Our Expertise: Legally Compliant ESG Strategies for Your Business
We provide comprehensive legal advice on all relevant ESG matters and offer legal support throughout the implementation process, including:
- ESG Compliance Management: Development and optimization of ESG-compliant structures and internal processes.
- Supply Chain Compliance: Advice on due diligence obligations, risk assessments, and remedial measures under the LkSG.
- Sustainability Reporting: Legal support for CSRD, Taxonomy, and non-financial reporting requirements.
- Governance & Corporate Responsibility: Prevention of corruption, conflicts of interest, and breaches of governance duties.
- Crisis Management & Enforcement: Legal representation in cases of alleged ESG violations and support in dealings with supervisory and law enforcement authorities.
Our ESG advisory services are aimed at both publicly listed corporations and medium-sized enterprises facing the challenge of implementing complex requirements in a practical and legally compliant manner.
ESG and Criminal Law: The Intersection of Compliance & Corporate Defense
A key focus of our work is the intersection of ESG compliance and white-collar crime. Violations of environmental regulations, occupational safety rules, or anti-corruption laws can result not only in civil liability but also in criminal consequences, including investigations against company executives.
Our experience as individual and corporate defense attorneys enables us to assess ESG risks from a criminal law perspective and to effectively protect companies and their executives.
Legal Support for ESG & Sustainability Compliance
- Assessment and Implementation of ESG-Relevant Compliance Structures
- Advisory on Meeting Reporting Obligations under CSRD, EU Taxonomy & LkSG
- Development of Legally Compliant Strategies for sustainable supply chains
- Prevention and Defense in cases of ESG-related criminal allegations
- Support in Communications with regulators and investors
Strategic ESG Advisory with Criminal Law Expertise
ESG is no longer just a reputational or sustainability issue; it is a binding compliance obligation with clear legal consequences. Our firm combines white-collar crime expertise with strategic advisory skills to provide companies with legally sound and practical support.
Whether a publicly listed corporation, a medium-sized enterprise, or an international subsidiary, we help you proactively meet ESG requirements, mitigate risks, and position your company for a secure and sustainable future.
Contact us for a confidential consultation. As lawyers experienced in ESG and compliance, we help you mitigate legal risks and strengthen your company’s sustainability.
