Executive summary
It has been a milestone year for Mills & Reeve as we bring together, for the first time, a full view of our responsible business activity across clients, people, communities and the planet.
What the year demonstrates clearly is that responsible business is not an add-on – it is the way we operate, make decisions and support long-term sustainable growth.
Clients
We have a long‑standing investment in keeping clients at the heart of the business, through client listening, key growth and strategic client programmes. Most notably through “Fearless Feedback”, which directly informs how we retain, grow and deepen client relationships.
We are supporting our clients across a range of ESG areas that are having an increasing impact on their organisations. We advise clients on ESG-aligned infrastructure and energy projects, sustainable finance and impact funds, sustainability of the built environment, environmental compliance, biodiversity and natural capital, supply chains and circularity, employee relations, IP strategy, ESG disclosures, risk management and disputes, and governance ethics and reporting. Our multidisciplinary ESG legal experts play a central role in guiding clients through emerging risks and evolving global standards.
client recommendation score
People
For our people, 2025 saw good progress in inclusion, wellbeing and leadership. Female representation at partner level exceeded our 33% target ahead of schedule; ethnicity representation improved firmwide; and over 91% of leaders completed inclusive leadership training. Enhanced family-friendly policies expanded wellbeing support, and thriving employee networks strengthened a culture where people feel they belong and can perform at their best.
Female representation at partner level - exceeding our target ahead of schedule.
of leaders completed inclusive leadership training.
Communities
In our communities, colleagues contributed over 1,200 hours of pro bono work and more than 1,500 volunteer hours. The Mills & Reeve Charitable Trust donated over £320,000, and the launch of our new volunteering platform increased opportunities for colleagues to support local impact.
Pro bono hours
Volunteer hours
Charitable donations
Planet
On the planet agenda, our SBTi-approved net zero targets set a credible, science-based pathway to 2050. We invested in biodiversity partnerships, strengthened data quality and
reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by
Looking ahead
Our focus is on continuing to support our clients in navigating change, creating opportunities and mitigating ESG risks; meeting ambitious representation and wellbeing targets; deepening our partnerships and collaborations in our communities; reducing our environmental impact, and making progress on the data, systems and behaviours needed to move towards net zero.
