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Equipping for the Future: Why the LSA Sustainability Academy Matters

By Asia Mill, Sustainability Networks Coordinator, Achill Legal.

If you work in the legal sector, you will know that Environmental, Social, and Governance is not a side project anymore – it is the core of responsible business. That is why I was so excited to hear about the new LSA Sustainability Academy, an initiative designed to build a pipeline of dedicated sustainability professionals in the legal industry.

My journey started with watching the initial webinar recording – I highly recommend it. The link is available here: Introducing the LSA Academy.

The Case for a Structured Pathway

The webinar brought an important issue to light: the lack of clear, accessible pathways into sustainability careers. This is where the LSA Sustainability Academy steps in, offering a Level 4 Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability (CRS) Practitioner Apprenticeship that is tailored for the legal world.

It is equivalent to a foundation degree, but crucially focuses on applied learning. As Simon Baker from LDN Apprenticeships stressed, the focus is on taking the theory and using it on real workplace challenges.

Programme Highlights:

  • Build the Next Generation: The programme boosts the accessibility and diversity of the sustainability profession.
  • Cost-Effective Capacity: For firms, especially those with the Apprenticeship Levy, it is a cost-neutral way to upskill current employees or bring in new talent.
  • Shared Learning: Apprentices join a shared cohort across different firms, fostering a community of “change agents” and including sector-relevant masterclasses and networking.
  • Professional Credentials: Apprentices get free professional membership to ICRS (the Institute of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability) and ISEP (the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals).

The Application: Making My Role Count

After getting my head around the big picture, I attended the first insight session in August 2025. These sessions – still ongoing – are a great opportunity to ask questions and explore how the programme could work for you. The final insight session takes place on 14th October at 1pm – you can register here, or alternatively, you can book a one-on-one session with Alex Hand from LDN if you prefer a more personalised conversation.

After the session, I received the application link in my inbox; it included 15 core questions designed to map my current experience and future ambition against the required responsibilities of a sustainability champion.

I spent an hour drafting my answers. Honestly, a few questions were not an obvious fit for my current day-to-day. But this is exactly where the support of the LSA and LDN comes in.

I booked a call with Alex Hand, who was incredibly helpful. She clarified that the application is about demonstrating potential and outlining how the apprenticeship will equip you to deliver on these responsibilities. We went through the list, finding ways my role could encompass some of the activities.

Thanks to Alex’s guidance, I submitted my application feeling confident that my enthusiasm and potential, supported by the Academy’s structure, were the key ingredients.

Navigating the Challenges (and Finding the Solutions)

The webinar was also excellent at addressing the elephant in the room: the commitment.

  • The Time Commitment (80% Work / 20% Study)

Balancing full-time work with 20% protected study time can be challenging. That is why the programme is designed to be as flexible as possible, working around your workload. Every apprentice is paired with a dedicated coach to help plan and manage their time effectively, and LDN collaborates closely with line managers to ensure study time is protected by identifying realistic and flexible ways to accommodate it.

  • High Responsibility, High Reward

Apprentices are expected to work on real projects early on. The programme frames this as a growth opportunity, supported by strong coaching to build confidence. As the LSA and LDN emphasise, it is about nurturing, not throwing apprentices into the deep end unsupported.

  • Inclusion and Funding

For smaller firms not paying the Apprenticeship Levy, funding can be a potential concern. The great news is the levy transfer scheme is available, allowing larger firms to donate unused funds to support apprenticeships in smaller organisations. The Academy is truly designed to be inclusive of firms of all sizes.

The LSA Sustainability Academy is a practical, structured, and highly supported way to build the skills needed for a sustainable career in law. It is about building a future-proof skillset, and I cannot wait for the launch in November 2025.

Interested in growing your own sustainability capability? You can still attend an Insight Session or contact Alex at alexandra.hand@ldnapprenticeships.com.