Senior Knowledge Lawyer ESG in Wakefield

Practice Area/Department: Operational Risk & Environment
PQE Level: 7+ PQE

About the Firm
Our client is a leading full-service law firm with an exceptional reputation in Asset Management, M&A, and Dispute Resolution & Investigations. They advise asset managers across alternative asset classes, listed and private companies, financial institutions, and other major enterprises on complex UK and cross-border matters.

Department Overview
The firms ESG practice is recognised as market-leading, with a multi-disciplinary team delivering holistic solutions to ESG challenges across a broad range of industry sectors, in the UK and internationally.

They work closely with asset managers, lenders, and corporates to manage operational, reputational, and compliance risks linked to ESG factors, aiming to drive meaningful engagement and long-term relationships.

Core areas of the ESG agenda include:

• Environment, Climate and Biodiversity

• Sustainable Finance and Investment

• Business Ethics and Human Rights

• ESG Litigation and Crisis Management

• Corporate Advisory and Governance

• People and Diversity

• Real Estate and the Built Environment

• Tax and ESG

Knowledge capability is central to the ESG offering, and the successful candidate will play a vital role in monitoring regulatory developments, producing high-quality knowledge products, and collaborating with colleagues and partners to deliver market-leading ESG services.

Reporting Line
The Senior Knowledge Lawyer will report to the Co-Heads of ESG and Impact, while being situated within the Operational Risk & Environment department to ensure integration across the firm.

Role Purpose
To support the growth, development, and reputation of the ESG practice by delivering strategic, innovative, and client-focused knowledge management initiatives.

Client-Facing Strategic Knowledge Management

• Lead the development of a high-performing ESG knowledge function.

• Create thought leadership and knowledge products tailored to client needs.

• Organise training, knowledge-sharing, and networking sessions for clients.

• Maintain and develop relationships with international partner firms for ESG collaboration.

• Build the ESG teams external profile via social media and industry networks.

• Support BD efforts, including award submissions and conference participation.

• Represent the firm in relevant ESG industry and specialist groups.

Internal Knowledge and Training

• Map ESG workstreams across the firm and encourage cross-departmental collaboration.

• Lead internal ESG knowledge forums and support the Sustainability Working Group.

• Monitor key ESG legal and regulatory developments and ensure timely dissemination.

• Manage ESG knowhow storage and resources at firmwide level.

• Deliver or coordinate ESG training sessions for lawyers and other staff.

• Mentor colleagues on ESG-related problem analysis and solution development.

Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will be:

• A qualified lawyer (England & Wales) with at least 7 years PQE in ESG-related fields such as environment, climate, human rights, governance, or sustainable finance.

• Experienced in knowledge management or PSL work (desirable but not essential).

• Strategic, analytical, and commercially minded.

• Confident advising senior stakeholders and influencing change.

• Skilled in communication, both written and verbal, with strong stakeholder engagement abilities.

• Curious, innovative, and collaborative, with a client-focused approach.

• Able to manage multiple deadlines and work under pressure.

Additional Information

• Full-time role with agile working available.

• The firm will be moving to a new City of London office in early 2026.

• The organisation is committed to diversity, inclusion, and supporting candidates requiring adjustments during the recruitment process.

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