Special counsel
Cooley
Brussels
A significant matter I’ve worked on
I help most of the world’s largest global tech companies with their European ESG compliance. This includes support with making mandatory and voluntary public sustainability disclosures, human rights and environmental supply chain diligence and sustainability regulatory compliance. A particular challenge right now for multinationals is working to navigate the diverse international compliance regimes, whilst at the same time navigating the growing politicization of ESG in the US.
An important person in my career
Beth Sasfai who leads Cooley’s global ESG team from New York. She is brilliant and by far the best lawyer I’ve ever seen in action. She is so clear, direct and helpful with her advice. Even though we live on different continents, we chat every day and I learn so much from her every time we work together. She is positive, uplifting and has been supportive of me from day one.
Advice I’d give to my 25-year-old self
It’s ok to take the scenic route!
If I wasn’t a lawyer, I’d probably be…
A primary school teacher. Or someone who gets paid to wear nice clothes. Or both!
Everyone’s talking about
Supply chain diligence! It can take a while to trace your supply chain, and diligence systems can take a long time to set up, so it’s good to get started early. This is particularly hot right now in the EU given the upcoming compliance deadlines for the EU Batteries Regulation, Critical Raw Materials Act, CSDDD and Forced Labour Regulation.
What’s next in ESG/sustainability law?
Once we have clarity on the EU’s sustainability omnibus, I expect that we will enter into an implementation phase, where we won’t see a lot of new EU laws being proposed, but the focus will be on compliance with the rules that were adopted over the last few years. We also expect there to be more of a focus on human rights risks in the supply chain and modern slavery internationally. We are already starting to see this in jurisdictions like the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and South Korea.
Why ESG/sustainability law?
I love ESG because touches on high-stakes and politically sensitive issues for our clients’ businesses, like human rights policies, DEI, climate impacts, environmental and human rights risks in their supply chain and governance. These are issues that attract investor scrutiny, media attention and litigation risk and are increasingly subject to regulation, particularly in Europe. I also believe that these are all really important issues for companies to get right.
Favourite restaurant or meal
So many great places in Brussels! I love love love Penar on Place Georges Brugmann for dinner and our whole team is obsessed with lunch at ‘Le Mangeoire’ next to our office! Everything is prepared fresh in the mornings by Camille and Jeremie.
The most interesting place my job has taken me
A client event at dueling pianos in Disney Springs in Orlando, Florida. A true cultural awakening.
Reference
“Emma is an exceptionally talented ESG and sustainability attorney, possessing a razor-sharp mind and having a fantastic ability to connect with clients and engender trust. Emma has consistently demonstrated unparalleled expertise in navigating complex regulatory frameworks, helping global businesses meet compliance requirements while driving sustainable practices.” Beth Sasfai, co-head of Cooley’s corporate governance and securities regulation practice and leader of the firm’s ESG and sustainability advisory practice
Emma leads Cooley’s ESG and sustainability advisory practice in Europe. She has extensive experience advising on European Union and United Kingdom environmental, social and governance (ESG), sustainability and products law matters.
Emma has a strong grasp of ESG and products regulation and works with the world’s top global companies to help clarify their obligations in the EU and UK. She advises on the full range of sustainability issues, including reporting obligations under the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation and the UK regimes, supply chain diligence, forced labour, deforestation and product-related sustainability requirements such as ecodesign, chemical compliance, packaging and recycling obligations. She also supports clients with their marketing and claims.
Emma has experience in making complaints to the European Commission on behalf of her clients and supporting them in litigation before the EU courts. Emma regularly manages multijurisdictional compliance projects for her clients.
Emma is very active in horizon spotting, and she keeps abreast of new EU, UK and global initiatives to assist clients wishing to provide input on the legislative and adapt their business in time when new rules are developed.
E: ebichet@cooley.com
T: +32 2 486 7543