LSA Climate Heroes – Highly Commended
Meet one of the LSA Climate Heroes of 2026 -2027. A group of inspiring individuals whose leadership, innovation and determination are driving meaningful climate and sustainability action across the legal sector. We are excited to be highlighting their work.
Paul Mullis
Workplace ESG Manager
Travers Smith
Paul has been instrumental in embedding sustainability into Travers Smith’s operations and supply chain, driving meaningful change through a practical, evidence-based approach. His work has reduced emissions, supported nature restoration, and established a lasting framework for more sustainable procurement.
Drawing on 30 years of experience at Travers Smith and a strong understanding of environmental impact and law firm operations, Paul recognised the firm’s influence as a purchaser and championed a new approach to sustainability from the top down. He helped establish the firm’s sustainability governance structure, upskilled colleagues, challenged supplier claims and built collaborative relationships across the supply chain. His influence has extended beyond the firm, sharing his experience and encouraging peers to use their purchasing power to drive positive environmental outcomes.
Paul has delivered tangible results. He introduced sustainability interviews into the procurement process, requiring suppliers to provide evidence to substantiate their environmental claims. This has led to changes in supplier selection and significant reductions in environmental impact. One example is 86% of the firm’s beef and chicken is sourced from net-zero farms in the Lake District that protect the land and biodiversity by avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilisers. He has also supported the 100% removal of endangered fish species from menus, by developing a procurement approach that follows guidance from the Marine Conservation Society’s ‘Good Fish Guide’ and is aligned to the Marine Stewardship Council standard, promoted the use of surplus and rejected vegetables, and introduced closed-loop, 100% recycled paper towels that reduces waste turning used paper hand towels into new paper products.
Paul also led the firm’s successful ISO 14001 environmental management certification and its first full carbon footprint aligned with ISO 14064, creating robust foundations for continued improvement.
“Paul’s interventions in the firm’s procurement process have resulted in suppliers providing evidence to substantiate their environmental claims as well as significant improvements to the environmental footprint associated with specific purchases. Paul’s collaborative approach has delivered long-lasting impact across the firm.”
Becky Clissmann, Global Sustainability Expertise Counsel, Ashurst Perkins Coie, LSA Co-chair
Paddy Linighan, Chief Sustainability Officer, Clyde & Co LLP, LSA Co-chair