James Thornton retiring as President of ClientEarth

James Thornton, our President and Founder will be retiring from his role as President of ClientEarth in April 2025.  

From his ambition 20 years ago to now, ClientEarth has become a unique entity, able to supply legal firepower, and wisdom on the rule of law, in a multitude of countries. 

Determined to use the law to drive systemic change, James and a small early team at ClientEarth took the UK government to court over air pollution – and won three times. In 2025, we have over 140 active legal actions and projects aimed at ensuring that people and planet can thrive. In recent months, he has also played a critical part in building our US programme, strategy and team.       

James is an inspirational thinker and innovator and has always championed the rights and protection of our planet. He built thriving partnerships, expanded our presence globally, championed our work and raised millions of pounds for our cause.  

His work through ClientEarth has helped build a global movement using law to protect our planet. That work is more important now than ever. And although James is retiring from the role of President, he will always be our Founder. His creativity and courage will live on in everything that we do, and we know he will continue to champion and support ClientEarth in his next chapter.