What is the law for? - Elspeth Jones, Client Earth, Wild Counsel

Impact Journey with Julia S

THE IMPACT. Elspeth Jones:

- Is a non-profit leader, advisor and coach at the intersection of law, leadership and environmental and social impact.

- Was born and grew up Wales, is a Welsh speaker, and now lives in Wales with her family, where she enjoys going on adventures and exploring the outdoors.

- Initially practiced as a barrister in London and in law firms in Ghana, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

- Most recently, was Deputy CEO at the environmental law NGO, ClientEarth, using the power of the law to drive systemic change.

- Was Executive Director of the climate change and sustainable development charity Size of Wales.

- Was a trustee for the Sumatran Orangutan Society, and is currently a trustee at the Esmee Fairbarn Foundation.

- Now has her own advisory called Wild Counsel, where she supports those working at the critical intersection of law and environmental and social change with thought partnership

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THE JOURNEY. In our conversation, we explore:

- The evolution of what the law is for: From traditional commercial law to using law for environmental impact, from focus on clients' interests to representing the planet and ecosystems.

- Organizational growth and leadership: The challenges of scaling a nonprofit like Client Earth, balancing freedom and creativity with coordination, governance, and risk management, and the leadership challenges in guiding a growing team of lawyers.

- The complexities of measuring impact: How to assess success in systemic change when outcomes are often indirect or long-term, and the challenge of defining impact in a field where wins are not always immediately visible.

- Lessons from failure and loss: How losing cases can still drive progress by sparking critical conversations and shifting mindsets around the law and environmental responsibility.

- The mycelium in her new role: The importance of creating resilient networks and support structures within the legal and nonprofit ecosystems, and exploring the role of coaching, mentoring, and peer learning to amplify collective impact.