Paul Benson

Focus

Paul Benson joined ClientEarth in 2020. With 15 years’ experience in complex, high-profile commercial and environmental disputes, Paul focuses on strategic litigation and other legal interventions targeting companies, in order to drive the transition to a low carbon future. Paul was the lead lawyer on our groundbreaking claim against the Board of Directors of Shell plc – the first ever case seeking to hold company directors personally liable for climate risk mismanagement. He has also led work on shareholder rights and investor stewardship of large companies. He is a recognised thought leader in the fields of corporate climate litigation and ESG, and is regularly asked to speak on these topics in a range of fora.

Experience

Prior to joining ClientEarth, Paul spent over ten years in private practice, primarily in the London and Berlin offices of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, where he specialised in commercial litigation and contentious environmental matters.

Education

Paul holds a BA in Law from the University of Cambridge (Jesus College). He is qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales, with higher rights of audience. He is also qualified in Ireland, and he is a member of the Chamber of Lawyers in Berlin. He is fluent in German.

As the climate crisis intensifies, it is a privilege to be working at the forefront of efforts to hold companies and governments to account. Together, we use the power of the law to protect and preserve our natural world for the generations to come.