As corporations and political leaders are increasingly highlighting their dedication towards environmental, social and governance issues (ESG), the priority list for chief in-house lawyers has risen as CLOs are naturally taking on a leading role in driving this change. 

“As the role of the general counsel has been redefined, with the GC becoming a key strategic advisor, it is only natural that the legal department would be leading the charge. ESG has been a governmental priority in Europe for the last several years, and now moving into the Biden Administration it is a clear priority in the US,” said Marcy Cohen, General Counsel and Managing Director, ING Financial Holdings Corp.