On December 4, 2024, Extinction Rebellion activists took bold action against the international law firm A&O Shearman, known for its substantial ties to the fossil fuel industry. Five individuals were arrested during this high-profile protest, which saw demonstrators storm the firm's London headquarters to confront its role in facilitating significant financial transactions linked to oil and gas operations.
The protest was sparked by the alarming figure of over $285 billion - the amount A&O Shearman allegedly handled from 2019 to 2023 for fossil fuel-related agreements. This made the firm the second-largest law firm globally concerning such transactions, emphasizing its considerable influence and connection to environmental degradation.
Upon entering the lobby, the activists made their presence known by spraying fake oil across the exterior of the building, symbolically addressing what they deem the firm's complicity in climate change. Outside, they erected an oil derrick accompanied by a Grim Reaper figure holding scales, illustrating the stark choice between profit and environmental sustainability. This eye-catching scene was enhanced by the sound of drums and the activist's chants condemning the firm's practices.
The crux of the message was clear: A&O Shearman needed to “cut the ties with fossil fuels.” Extinction Rebellion, known for its persistent advocacy for climate action, is intensifying its campaign against major players like A&O Shearman, whose practices critics argue continue to exacerbate climate change and its impacts.
Several participants voiced their concerns directly at the protest. Dr. Sara Melly, one activist from Hampshire, expressed dissatisfaction with the firm’s current operations, stating, "We demand A&O Shearman cut their ties with the fossil fuel industry immediately. The future is renewable energy, and firms like A&O Shearman need to refuse work from fossil fuel clients or leave this line of work entirely."
Onlookers reported the atmosphere being charged with energy, as drums beat and passionate speeches were made about the calamitous effects of climate action—or lack thereof. By shining a spotlight on A&O Shearman’s dealings, activists hope to provoke change within the legal community, which they believe should also be responsible for safeguarding the environment.
Marcus Bailie, another protester from South Wales, highlighted the broader consequences of A&O Shearman's actions, connecting the firm’s business practices to real-world consequences like climate-related disasters depicted prominently on news outlets. He stated, "Carbon dioxide lasts 100 years in the upper atmosphere, so the damage they do now will cause a century of harm. They're enabling an existential threat through their actions."
The legal community's growing entanglement with fossil fuels has stirred rising discontent among newer legal talents. Many young lawyers now demand their firms take accountability for their environmental impact. Previous to the merger of Allen & Overy and Shearman Sterling, both were rated poorly, receiving 'F' grades from the Law Students for Climate Accountability 2024 scorecard. This plague of unfavorable ratings has significantly tarnished their reputation among prospective legal professionals.
Melanie Strickland of the campaign group Lawyers are Responsible echoed this sentiment, arguing, "It is disgraceful for A&O Shearman to profit from climate collapse. We've reached out to the firm multiple times to encourage them to change course, yet they remain silent.” She attributed the law firm's deterioration of professional ethics as detrimental, noting, "Lawyers work in a public profession, and their responsibility lies with upholding the public interest. By pursuing fossil fuel interests, they are failing to protect our future.”
A&O Shearman's silence amid such protests showcases the rift between the modern climate conscience and business as usual among legal practitioners. The demonstrators demand transformative choices from their profession, seeking to turn the tide toward sustainable practices rather than continue to enable industries contributing to climate change.
Activists are drawing global attention to these issues, reflecting sentiments echoed by key international figures, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who recently stated, "Unless we limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, spiraling disasters will devastate every economy." His warnings reinforce the need for urgent action, particularly from those with significant financial and legal backing of fossil fuel operations, like A&O Shearman.
This protest was part of broader efforts by Extinction Rebellion, which has increasingly sought to connect legal firms and their practices to climate change advocacy. Recent actions have seen them collaborating with groups like Lawyers are Responsible, which last week directed protests at several law firms involved with fossil fuels, highlighting systemic problems within the legal sector.
James Knapp, 58, lamented about the ethical responsibilities of these firms, saying, "Companies enabling new fossil fuel production at this late stage bear responsibility for its effects, particularly on vulnerable communities affected by climate change." He characterized the actions of firms like A&O as “profiting from suffering” and noted the pressing need for law firms to reassess their priorities.
The protests are gaining traction as more people recognize the dire nature of climate change. With each visible act of dissent, activists are ensuring the call for action against firms implicated in fossil fuel transactions resonates well beyond the streets of London, sparking discussions across legal, political, and public domains.
While the protest successfully garnered media attention, it remains to be seen whether A&O Shearman will respond to the growing chorus of demands from activists and ethical advocates. The climate clock is ticking, and as activists tirelessly work to amplify their voices, they’re hopeful the message for change will finally hit home.