Scottish Law Firm (Solicitors)
Notary Public
Environmental Advice
Advocacy, Consultancy & Litigation
®
For a Living Planet EST. 2012
Award Winning Public Interest Environmental & Human Rights Law Firm
Environmental & Human Rights Justice through the Rule of Law

Susan D. E-Shaw LLM, LLB(Hons), DipLP, NP
At Living Law, we empower businesses, institutions, communities, and individuals to navigate the complexities of environmental and human rights law. Whether securing regulatory compliance, advocating for social and ecological justice, or driving legal innovation, we are committed to achieving results that matter.
Cut Through the Legal Maze with Us
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Over 20 years’ experience across government, regulatory bodies, NGOs, and private law firms.
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Global legal training (LLM, Masters - University of Stockholm 2014)) and globally recognised expert in environmental, human rights, energy, public administrative and corporate accountability law across UK, EU, and international levels.
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Influential Expert Member (Earth Jurisprudence) with the UN Harmony with Nature programme and IUCN-World Commission on Environmental Law.
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Proven track record of success, from strategic litigation and policy work to advocacy at local, national, and international levels.
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Respected thought leader collaborating with globally renowned lawyers, scientists, and policymakers.
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Observer to International Conventions (e.g. Minamata Convention on Mercury), influencing the development of global environmental law.
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Legal innovator and strategist, pioneering new and novel solutions to environmental challenges, such as biodiversity loss, corporate greenwashing, and transboundary pollution.
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Contributor to high-level policy briefings and international reports, shaping legislative and regulatory frameworks on climate and environmental law.
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Recognised legal expert in emerging fields, including ecological jurisprudence and climate accountability litigation.
Legal Expertise That Works for You
Businesses, Corporations and Institutions
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Navigate environmental compliance and sustainability obligations with confidence.
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Develop corporate social responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategies to protect your brand and reputation.
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Engage with regulators and policymakers to drive sustainable and tailored legal solutions.
NGOs & Community Groups
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Advocate for environmental and human rights justice.
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Challenge unlawful decisions and policies with strategic legal action.
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Secure your rights of access to information, public participation, and justice.
Individuals & Activists
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Understand and defend your legal rights.
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Engage early to influence environmental decision-making to protect your interests.
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Obtain expert representation at administrative hearings, public inquiries, court and other such fora.
Career Highlights Include:
Living Law (2012 – Present)
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Founder and Managing Partner of award-winning public interest law firm specialising in environmental, energy, public administrative law, and international law.
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Led groundbreaking cases, supporting environmental governance and human rights.
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Actively engaged in CPD and other professional development initiatives, and fostering the next generation of Earth Lawyers through the "Living Law Futures" Programme.
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Engaged with Rights of Nature coalitions and other high-ambition UN-adjacent programmes advancing ecological justice.
ClientEarth (2015 – 17)
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Project Leader, EU Energy Transition and Environment Team, Strategic Litigation.
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Built and managed multi-jurisdictional legal strategies accelerating EU de-carbonisation and energy transition.
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Partnered with regulators, NGOs, and legal networks to advance policy reform.
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Working with environmental leaders across Europe (Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Romania, Spain, Turkey, UK).
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Played a key role in developing strategic litigation models now widely used and replicated in EU energy and environmental cases (e.g., greenwashing).
Private Practice (2012)
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Senior Solicitor in Commercial Private Practice, advising on regulatory and environmental matters.
Local Government (Solicitor, Commercial Services & Trainee Solicitor Prior) (2007 – 12)
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Delivered high-impact legal solutions in environmental law, planning, and governance.
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Finalist, Excellence in Legal Services Achievement of the Year Awards (MJ Awards).
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Admitted to Court and promoted to qualified Solicitor role after year one of two-year training contract. Retained as permanent staffer.
Scottish Government / SEPA (2004-07)
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Played a key role in implementing the EU Water Framework Directive in Scotland. Liaising across government ministries and regulatory bodies to develop, draft and support the passage of environmental legislation in Scotland.
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Advised on regulatory compliance, policy development, and environmental enforcement.
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Provided legal expertise in multi-agency negotiations and government administration.
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Developed better regulation and regulatory strategies for long-term environmental risk management.
Environmental Thought Leadership
Susan has played a contributory role in shaping international environmental law and policy. For example:-
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Contributing to the IUCN World Declaration on Environmental Rule of Law (Brazil, 2016).
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Leading EU-wide energy transition litigation at ClientEarth, spearheading innovative legal actions.
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Advocating for the Rights of Nature on a global stage as UN Expert, Harmony with Nature (such as, appearing before the UN Trusteeship Council).
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Invited speaker at the Stockholm +50 Leadership Dialogues (2022).
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Advising governments and international bodies on climate and environmental governance.
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Collaborating with world-renowned experts (e.g., at the Stockholm Resilience Centre) to assess legal frameworks addressing Planetary Boundaries theories during Masters LLM programme year.
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Broader role in public legal discourse (e.g., conferences, keynotes, and legal training initiatives).
Her experience includes appearances before UN, EU, national regulatory and judicial fora, advocating to re-orientate legal frameworks for a more sustainable and just future. This has included precedent-setting cases.
What Clients Have Said
“Susan is outstanding at getting to grips with complex issues and rationalising them in a way the client can immediately understand.”
“She is well capable of leading the way in her chosen fields of expertise whilst listening to and taking account of related professional/technical advice.”
“She is always willing to listen to and take on board the client’s technical knowledge of the problem.”
“Susan sets herself very high working standards.”
“She is persistent and drives complex issues through to a satisfactory conclusion.”
“Susan is a true professional and a pleasure to work with — persistent, strategic, and highly knowledgeable.”
Ecovation for a Living Planet
Whether you need expert legal guidance, strategic advice, or advocacy support, Living Law is here to support you.
contact@livinglaw.co.uk
+44 (0)7929 996105
www.livinglaw.co.uk
