Muckle LLP shines in Legal 500 ESG awards

The North East's leading law firm for businesses, Muckle LLP, has achieved remarkable recognition in the national Legal 500 ESG UK Awards, where it stands as a finalist in two distinguished categories. These inaugural awards celebrate exceptional Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives within the UK legal sector, extending recognition to outstanding contributions from private practice, in-house lawyers, and the Bar.

The Legal 500 ESG Awards aim to highlight and honour organisations and individuals fostering positive change across all dimensions of ESG, including diversity and inclusion, as well as environmental and sustainability strategies. Muckle LLP's notable shortlisting is a testament to its unwavering commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices, placing the firm at the forefront of the legal industry's drive towards responsible corporate citizenship.

Muckle's first recognition comes in the form of a nomination for the 'Social Mobility: Best Initiative to Attract and Retain Talent (outside London)' category. This acknowledgment is tied to Muckle's innovative North East Solicitor Apprenticeship (NESA) program, conducted in collaboration with Northumbria University. The NESA program provides a unique opportunity for young individuals to pursue a law degree without incurring the burden of student loans, emphasising Muckle's commitment to fostering social mobility and nurturing legal talent in the North East.

The second nomination is attributed to Senior Partner Hugh Welch, who has been shortlisted for the 'Social Mobility: Private Practice Champion of the Year' award. This recognition reflects Welch's enduring dedication to advancing Muckle LLP's ESG strategy and his profound commitment to community engagement. Over the years, Welch has played a pivotal role in driving positive change, making him a notable figure in the realm of ethical and sustainable legal practices.

Muckle LLP has consistently prioritised its social and environmental impact alongside its business pursuits. In January 2024, the firm achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first in the North East and Cumbria to be awarded a B Corporation® certificate, affirming its status as a B Corp™. This prestigious achievement underscores Muckle's continuous commitment to ESG strategy and improvement, setting a high standard for ethical and sustainable business practices within the legal industry in the region.

Reflecting on these accolades, Senior Partner and head of the ESG Programme at Muckle, Hugh Welch, expressed his satisfaction, stating, "For the past two decades, we've been involved in supporting the wider North East community and driving positive change. It's great to see our efforts being noticed across the region and nationwide. Our commitment to ESG strategies represents the core values and culture of our entire team. It's great to be up against influential individuals and organisations, all of whom are carrying out amazing work to improve ESG within the legal sector."

Muckle LLP's presence in the Legal 500 ESG Awards underscores the firm's dedication to making meaningful contributions to the legal industry's evolution towards a more sustainable and socially responsible future. The recognition received serves as a commendation of Muckle's impactful initiatives and a catalyst for further progress in the realm of ESG within the legal landscape.