Environmental Litigation

We help clients resolve challenges that cut across environmental, social and governance issues.

Disputes with an ESG dimension are no longer niche. They can arise from environmental claims, whistleblowing complaints, supply chain risks, governance failures or allegations of human rights abuses. For global businesses, these issues could span more than one jurisdiction and can trigger regulatory scrutiny, litigation, and reputational damage across multiple markets.

We advise businesses across multiple sectors on the full spectrum of ESG disputes. Our experience spans environmental litigation, claims tied to social and human rights issues, and governance disputes linked to corruption, whistleblowing, or board oversight.

With more than 400 lawyers in our global ESG practice, we are uniquely positioned to deliver coordinated, multi-jurisdictional advice. Our team combines deep subject-matter knowledge with litigation and investigations strength, enabling clients to navigate disputes while protecting reputation and long-term value. We deliver practical solutions grounded in commercial reality in court, through arbitration, or via regulatory engagement.

Hear from our clients and industry leaders

A significant advantage of Hogan Lovells is that they are a global firm with offices over the world who can provide insight in jurisdictional issues. They are a high quality seamless team.

Client testimonial, Chambers Global 2025

Hogan Lovells have a deep understanding of the subject matter, are knowledge of our business, responsive and provide great quality in their work.

Client testimonial, Crisis & Risk Management Guide, Chambers 2025

Key contacts

David M. Foster

Partner

David M. Foster

Partner

Washington, D.C.

Hannah Piper

Partner

Hannah Piper

Partner

London

Christian Ritz, LL.M. (USYD)

Partner

Christian Ritz, LL.M. (USYD)

Partner

Munich

Meet the ESG Disputes team

Representative experience

Represented a top-25 global pharmaceutical company to address its role in one of the most noteworthy events of exploitation of human subjects in medical history, involving substantial social and governance issues.

Represent financial services company in multistate inquiries by State Attorneys General relating to use of ESG factors in investment decisions.

Represented a defense contractor in connection with claims of contributing approximately US$380 million in claimed costs for investigating and cleaning up contamination at U.S. Air Force bases.

Defending investment advisor in congressional investigations concerning use of ESG factors in investment decision-making and proxy voting.

Defend major financial services company in investigation by conservative State Attorney General regarding climate and DEI-related shareholder proposals. Investigation became dormant after meeting with the State Attorney General.

Defend leading international food company in class action litigation and consumer protection suit relating to human rights issues in global supply chains and public statements relating to the same.

Defend leading food and beverage company in consumer protection lawsuit based on alleged human rights issues in its supply chain.

Advised a global pharmaceutical company and its Indian subsidiary on an internal investigation and parallel litigation pertaining to a whistleblowing complaint from a former employee that alleged misconduct, including harassment and fraud.

Representing a California-based integrative farming and consumer goods company in putative class action alleging that the company falsely advertised its commitment to ESG and regenerative agriculture in the sale of its products.