Counsel
Simmons & Simmons
Milan
Advice I’d give to my 25-year-old self
Don’t rush. Take the time to look beyond the immediate tasks and understand the bigger picture. At 25, I was focused on mastering the technical side of law – getting the details right, being precise, and building expertise. That foundation is important, but over time I’ve learned that the real value of being a lawyer comes from connecting those skills to something larger. ESG law taught me that legal work isn’t just about rules – it’s about people, nature and long-term impact.
If I wasn’t a lawyer, I’d probably be…
A landscape architect focused on ecosystem restoration, especially in urban environments. I’ve always been fascinated by the relationship between people and nature, and how thoughtful and innovative urban design can bring nature back to spaces that have been neglected or overbuilt. Restoring nature in cities isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about improving quality of life, resilience and sustainability. In many ways, it’s still about shaping systems that work better for both people and the planet – just using plants, soil and ecological principles instead of contracts and regulations.
Everyone’s talking about…
Right now, everyone’s talking about how ESG is moving from big promises to real accountability. Companies are setting ambitious goals – net zero, diversity, circular economy – but regulators and stakeholders are asking: Can you prove it? Greenwashing is a major concern, and legal teams are being pulled in to make sure sustainability claims are backed by solid evidence.
There’s also growing interest in how AI interacts with ESG. As more businesses use AI in hiring, supply chains, and decision-making, questions about fairness, transparency, and environmental impact are coming up fast. It’s a new frontier where ESG lawyers are helping shape responsible tech use.
And finally, ESG is becoming a board-level issue. Directors are being held accountable for sustainability oversight, and new laws – like the EU’s due diligence directive – are making ESG a legal priority, not just a nice-to-have. It’s an exciting time to be in this space, because the role of lawyers is evolving along with the conversation.
The most interesting place my job has taken me
One of the most enriching experiences in my career was attending the Stockholm+50 conference, organised by the Stockholm Environmental Law and Policy Centre in conjunction with the broader UN Stockholm+50 commemorations. This event brought together leading international environmental law scholars, practitioners and policymakers to reflect on 50 years of international environmental law and chart its future trajectory.
What made it particularly memorable was the sense of shared purpose – despite diverse backgrounds and legal systems, everyone in the room was committed to using law as a tool for environmental protection and sustainable development. It reinforced my belief that ESG and sustainability law are not just about compliance, but about shaping a more resilient and equitable future.
A pivotal decision I’ve made
A key turning point in my career was deciding to combine my background as a real estate lawyer with a deeper focus on environmental law by pursuing a two-year LL.M. in international environmental law across Scandinavia. Rather than stepping away from my previous work, I wanted to build on it – recognising that environmental sustainability was becoming increasingly relevant not just in public law, but also in private transactions and business strategy.
This decision marked a turning point in my career. It allowed me to connect my legal background with a broader purpose and equipped me with the tools to engage with ESG issues in a more strategic and impactful way. It was a conscious choice to align my professional path with the challenges and opportunities of a changing world.
References
“I have had the privilege of working with Christian on several ESG-driven transactions, and his contribution has been exceptional. He has extensive expertise in ESG investments and regulatory compliance, advising on the acquisition and sale of ESG-certified assets, green loans and the transformation of low-performing buildings into high-efficiency properties. Christian has also led on projects involving renewable energy installations, NZEB/ZEB lease agreements and brownfield redevelopment – including the development of an eco-sustainable luxury hotel on a degraded site involving also ecosystem restoration works. His work on establishing Article 8 SFDR-compliant real estate funds and ESG real estate certifications reflects his ability to embed sustainability into complex deals and deliver tangible ESG value.” Emanuela Molinaro, partner at Simmons & Simmons, Italy
“Chris has been an invaluable asset in analysing, amplifying and delivering the latest ESG trends to both our internal and external stakeholders. His dedication to going the extra mile and his commitment to upskilling on ESG matters are unparalleled. Since joining the firm, he has been a cornerstone of our international ESG strategy. Beyond his real estate expertise, Chris has expanded his knowledge to encompass the latest ESG regulations, such as the CSRD and the European Deforestation Directive just to name a few. He is eager to translate this knowledge into actionable strategies for our clients, which is consistently well received.” Sonali Siriwardena, global head of ESG at Simmons & Simmons
Christian Turotti is a counsel at Simmons & Simmons based in Milan with a strong foundation in real estate law and a deep commitment to environmental sustainability. After several years advising on complex property transactions, Christian pursued an LL.M. in international environmental law across Scandinavia, where he explored the intersection of environmental legal frameworks, climate and biodiversity policy and corporate responsibility. This journey sharpened Christian’s expertise in ESG, particularly in how sustainability principles can be embedded into both public law and private business practices.
Christian now leverages this dual perspective to guide clients through evolving ESG regulations, risk assessments, and sustainable investment strategies. He has driven high-impact transactional investments and regulatory compliance, including through the acquisition of ESG-certified assets, green financing, renewable energy installations and sustainable fund formation. His work includes refurbishments for building efficiency, NZEB/ZEB lease agreements, land reclamation, brownfield redevelopment, deforestation and sustainable reporting, embedding sustainability into complex deals.
Known for a pragmatic yet forward-thinking approach, Christian is a consistent contributor to ESG legal updates and serves on the Sustainability Committee of Assoimmobiliare (Italian Association of the Real Estate Industry).
As ESG continues to shape the legal landscape, Christian remains dedicated to advancing responsible business conduct, driven by a sincere belief in law’s role in shaping a sustainable future.
E: christian.turotti@simmons-simmons.com
T: +39 02 7250 5499