"Six Reasons Why Lawyers Should Practice Law with Respect for Human Rights", Nov 2014

Lawyers can play a critical role in helping their clients respect human rights – including their corporate clients. Many lawyers from leading international law firms and in-house legal departments are already supporting their corporate clients' efforts to implement the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Unfortunately, some lawyers remain unconvinced for a variety of reasons...[T]he International Bar Association has issued draft guidance for legal professionals on the meaning and implementation of the Guiding Principles...So why should business lawyers read the guidance issued by the IBA? Here are six reasons: 1. Risk management...2. Sustainability...3. Changing law...4. Compliance and national law...5. Prevention of human rights harm...6. Legal ethics...The guidance is a significant step forward in the discussion about the implications of the Guiding Principles for business lawyers. In order to serve the best interests of their clients, lawyers should pay close attention.