WLG | impact '25: Giving Back in Riga

Key Contact Partners from across World Law Group and their guests gathered for WLG | summit Riga '25, from May 29—31, hosted by local member firm, Sorainen. Delegates enjoyed an energetic business program, exploring environmental, social, and governance (ESG) regulations, trade and investment trends, innovation in law firm management, and the dynamic business landscape of the Baltics. From forward-looking plenaries to interactive workshops, the summit sparked ideas and strengthened cross-border collaboration across the network—and provided another opportunity to continue the tradition of giving back to our host communities through WLG | impact.  

Building Impact, One Birdhouse at a Time

Saturday’s picturesque location of Jūrmala, a seaside village outside of Riga, provided a beautiful backdrop for an energetic, hands-on activity: building bird houses to provide habitats for birds residing at the Līgatne Nature Trails, helping to combat the effects of deforestation within the country.

 

Delegates and guests worked together to craft birdhouses. 

 

Opening in 1975 and managed by the Nature Conservation Agency of the Republic of Latvia, the Līgatne Nature Trails were established to educate visitors about Latvian natural treasures and local species of wild plants and animals. With the trails celebrating their 50th anniversary this spring, the effort was both timely and much appreciated. Latvia has a rich and varied birdlife, including an official national bird, long-standing traditions, and ongoing conservation efforts.

The WLG | impact activity brought our delegates and guests together on the beach, equipped with hammers and boards. Teams of three worked together to create 45 new homes for local feathered friends. Laughter and chatting could be heard among the strikes of hammers, as international lawyers left the fine print behind to focus on fine craftsmanship, all in the name of giving back.

 

Sorainen: ESG in Practice

As in many other countries, ESG and corporate social responsibility (CSR) are gaining importance in Latvia and across the Baltic region. It is seen as crucial for sustainable long-term value creation and is influencing investment decisions. Our summit host firm, Sorainen, which also has offices in neighboring countries, Estonia and Lithuania, mirrors this importance in its practices.
The firm’s ESG team helps clients navigate every step of their journey, offering practical legal advice on everything from environmental permits and green financing to corporate governance and socially responsible workplace policies. Its team takes an integrated, hands-on approach, making it easier for businesses to meet evolving sustainability standards and turn commitments into action. Backed by ISO-aligned practices (a globally recognized standard for quality management), green-certified offices, and a firmwide ESG policy, Sorainen’s own efforts reflect the guidance they give, earning them recognition in the Legal 500 Green Guide and a reputation as a leading ESG advisor in the Baltics.

Sorainen has also been an active participant in WLG | impact. The firm’s annual submissions reflect a strong and evolving commitment to environmental awareness, employee engagement, and pro bono support. 

In 2021, the firm hosted a Digital Waste seminar in partnership with Let’s Do It World to raise awareness about the environmental impact of digital clutter, and colleagues took part in World Car Free Day. In 2022, Sorainen dedicated its Shared Mission pro bono program to supporting 15 projects tackling topics like sustainable farming, solar energy efficiency, food waste reduction, environmental advocacy, and circular economy solutions. The firm also launched a summer sport challenge to encourage more active and sustainable commuting, celebrated World Bicycle Day, and invited employees to participate in the Do One Thing campaign for World Environment Day. In 2023, the firm built on its environmental efforts with another summer sport challenge to reduce commuting-related emissions and once again marked World Bicycle Day. It also updated internal policies and began implementing an Environmental Management System based on ISO 14001, an international standard that helps organizations reduce their environmental footprint in a structured, measurable way.

From insightful ESG discussions to a meaningful contribution to Latvia’s wildlife, WLG | summit Riga ’25 reflected the values at the heart of World Law Group, including collaboration, innovation, and social responsibility. Sorainen’s leadership, both in hosting the summit and its ongoing ESG and CSR efforts, reminds us that impact doesn’t just happen in the courtroom or the boardroom—it’s also built one thoughtful action at a time.