The group Lawyers Are Responsible was among those protesting
The London offices of A&O Shearman and Akin were besieged by climate protesters earlier this week, reported the Law Society Gazette.
The protest occurred on Wednesday morning at the start of the workday. Among the protesters were representatives from Lawyers Are Responsible and Fossil Free London.
The protesters accused A&O Shearman and Akin of profiting significantly from climate and ecological disasters through taking on work that supported the operations of companies that polluted and destroyed the environment. During the protest, the groups presented photos of those who were victimized by natural disasters resulting from climate breakdown, such as floods and fires.
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The victims hailed from different countries, highlighting the global impact of such disasters.
“Standing outside London’s top legal firms, justice is nowhere to be seen. Lawyers here are raking in millions by defending the corporations wrecking our planet. They’re not just complicit—they’re profiting from climate disaster while the world’s most vulnerable pay the price,” Fossil Free London campaigner Joanna Warrington said in a statement.
Lawyers Are Responsible representative Monika Sobiecki called for change to take place in order to preserve the rule of law.
"As lawyers, we all value the rule of law in ensuring that we have a fair, stable and prosperous society. In a world devastated by climate chaos, there is a serious risk to the rule of law,” she said. “Yet these firms, by continuing to work with fossil fuel companies, are accelerating us further along the path of climate collapse. That must change."
The Law Society Gazette confirmed that it had reached out to both A&O Shearman and Akin for comments – a request turned down by A&O Shearman.
A&O Shearman reportedly earned about US$3.5 billion in total revenue. Earlier this quarter, the firm cut its partnership by 10 percent and shut down its Johannesburg office.