ESG Litigation
We represent individuals, organizations, and communities harmed by corporate failures in environmental, social, and governance practices.
$10T
Estimated global cost of climate change to the economy by 2100 if urgent action is not taken.
1
2/3
Of global executives view ESG compliance as a critical component of long-term financial success.
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$1B
Largest ESG-related settlement in U.S. history involving misleading environmental claims by a multinational corporation.
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32%
Percentage of investors who have increased their focus on ESG issues over the past
five years, according to PwC.
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Corporate negligence in cases involving hazardous waste disposal and environmental cleanup frequently results in settlements ranging from millions to billions of dollars.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards evaluate a company’s practices, including its environmental impact, treatment of workers, and governance transparency. As businesses face increasing scrutiny, failures in ESG compliance can result in significant legal consequences, including claims for environmental damage, labor violations, breach of fiduciary duties, and fraudulent misrepresentation. Our firm represents individuals, nonprofits, and organizations in holding corporations accountable for violations, such as pollution, unsafe working conditions, discrimination, deceptive practices, and governance failures that harm the environment, workers, and communities. We seek remedies for those impacted by irresponsible corporate conduct through regulatory enforcement and litigation.
Overview
We pursue legal action against corporations for ESG violations—including deceptive environmental claims, labor abuses, and governance failures—on behalf of individuals, nonprofits, and communities seeking accountability and justice.
Plaintiffs can use statutes like the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, and OSHA to hold corporations accountable for environmental damage and workplace safety violations.
Your Rights
If you or your organization has been harmed by corporate misconduct related to environmental, social, or governance (ESG) violations, you may have legal grounds to take action. Companies that fail to meet their legal obligations can be held accountable under state, federal, and international laws.
- Environmental Violations – Corporations that pollute air or water, mismanage hazardous waste, or engage in greenwashing may be liable under laws like the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). If you or your community has suffered harm due to environmental violations, you may have a claim for damages, remediation, or injunctive relief.
- Labor Violations & Workplace Safety – If you have experienced unsafe working conditions, wage theft, forced labor, or other labor rights violations, you may be able to bring legal claims under laws such as the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and state labor laws. These claims can lead to compensation, improved working conditions, and employer accountability.
- Fraudulent or Misleading Governance Practices – Shareholders, employees, and stakeholders who have been harmed by corporate governance failures—such as securities fraud, financial misrepresentation, or breaches of fiduciary duty—may have grounds for litigation under federal securities laws and state corporate governance statutes. If a company has misled investors or engaged in unethical financial practices, legal action can seek damages and structural reforms.
- Whistleblower Protection & Retaliation Claims – Employees who report ESG-related violations, including environmental fraud, financial misconduct, or labor abuses, are protected under federal and state whistleblower laws such as the Dodd-Frank Act, Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and False Claims Act. If you have faced retaliation for speaking out, you may be entitled to reinstatement, lost wages, and additional legal protections.
In January 2022, the FTC sued to block Lockheed Martin’s proposed $4.4 billion acquisition of Aerojet Rocketdyne, citing antitrust concerns over reduced competition in the missile propulsion market.
7
Federal Trade Commission, “FTC Sues
to Block Lockheed Martin Corporation’s
$4.4 Billion Vertical Acquisition of Aerojet
Rocketdyne Holdings Inc.,” (Jan. 25, 2022).
to Block Lockheed Martin Corporation’s
$4.4 Billion Vertical Acquisition of Aerojet
Rocketdyne Holdings Inc.,” (Jan. 25, 2022).
Your Rights
As a consumer or business affected by anti-competitive practices, you have the right to seek compensation and fair market conditions. We can help you:
- Challenge price-fixing schemes, bid-rigging, and market allocation agreements that artificially inflate prices and restrict competition.
- Combat monopolistic practices, including predatory pricing, exclusive dealing, and tying arrangements that limit market access and consumer choice.
- Contest unlawful mergers and acquisitions that consolidate market power and reduce competition in key industries.
- Recover financial compensation for economic losses due to anti-competitive behavior, potentially including punitive damages to hold wrongdoers accountable and deter future misconduct.
DOJ environmental enforcement in FY 2022 secured over $820 million in fines and penalties, alongside $3.1 billion in injunctive relief for air, water, and hazardous waste violations.
Lawyers' Role
Our firm offers skilled representation for clients navigating the complex legal landscape of ESG compliance and accountability:
- Litigation for ESG Violations: We represent clients in actions against companies that fail to meet ESG standards, including cases involving misleading environmental claims, poor labor practices, and governance failures.
- Support for Whistleblowers: We defend whistleblowers who expose corporate failures in ESG practices, providing support to help them report violations and seek remedies.
- Class Actions for ESG Accountability: We lead class actions on behalf of individuals or communities who have been harmed by corporate negligence, aiming for systemic change and meaningful compensation.
- Advocacy for Corporate Transparency: We work to compel transparency from corporations regarding their ESG practices, so that stakeholders are informed and protected.
How We Can Help
Hold Corporations Accountable for Environmental Damage
Represent individuals, communities, and organizations harmed by corporate environmental misconduct, including water and air pollution, waste management failures, false environmental claims, and breaches of the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act.
Advocate for Fair Labor Practices
Support workers seeking compensation and fair treatment for workplace safety violations, wage theft, exploitation, and other breaches of labor laws such as the Fair Labor Standards Act and Occupational Safety and Health Act.
Challenge Greenwashing and Misrepresentation
Litigate claims involving fraudulent or misleading environmental statements, deceptive sustainability marketing, and ESG misrepresentations that violate securities and consumer protection laws.
Pursue Justice for Human Rights Violations
Represent victims of corporate human rights abuses, including exploitation, forced labor, and inadequate workplace protections, seeking remedies for these violations.
Support Corporate Governance Reforms
Advocate for shareholders and stakeholders in addressing corporate mismanagement, breaches of fiduciary duty, and failures to meet governance standards, promoting transparency and accountability.
Environmental Class Actions
Lead class actions on behalf of individuals and communities impacted by large-scale environmental violations, such as hazardous material exposure, pollution, and public or private nuisances.
Workplace Safety and Accountability
Represent employees harmed by unsafe working conditions or labor rights violations, ensuring companies are held accountable for workplace injuries, exploitation, and retaliation.
ESG Fraud and Fiduciary Duty Violations
Pursue claims against corporations and their directors for fraudulent ESG practices, misrepresentations to investors or the public, and breaches of fiduciary duties owed to shareholders and stakeholders.
Provide Regulatory Compliance Guidance
Assist businesses in navigating the complex legal landscape of ESG regulations, promoting adherence to environmental, labor, and governance laws to minimize liability and promote compliance.
Support for Whistleblowers Reporting ESG Violations
Advocate for employees who report ESG violations, pursue retaliation claims under federal and state whistleblower protection laws, and help them seek legal remedies and safeguard their rights.
