Photo: Diego M. Radzinschi/ALM

A new boutique law firm in Hong Kong is offering an alternative model of the role law firms can play in society. Ben McQuhae & Co is committing to ambitious targets in terms of both its internal operations and external relations with clients with sustainability as its core focus.

"What we are doing is to rethink the role of law firms in the sustainability space," said founder Ben McQuhae, a former energy partner at Jones Day. According to its website, the firm will operate at the intersection of law, ESG and technology with a focus on transactions in climate, biodiversity and innovation. Central to its commitment to sustainability is the pledge to only supporting transactions with a "net positive impact."