The AusLSA Framework
AusLSA’s framework is based around the four pillars of people, community, environment and governance.
Environment
Climate Action
Covers firm commitments, targets, and plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including the adoption of science-based targets and pathways toward net-zero emissions.
Electricity Use
Reports on electricity consumption and renewable energy sourcing to understand energy efficiency and Scope 2 emissions.
Environmental Management
Assesses if firms have the systems, policies, and processes in place to manage and improve environmental performance.
Paper Use, Recycling & Waste
Assesses paper consumption, recycling practices, and waste management initiatives across firm operations.
Business Travel
Measures emissions and activities associated with business travel, including flights and ground transport.
People
Gender Equality
Tracks policies, targets, and representation aimed at promoting gender balance and equitable outcomes across all staff levels.
Flexible Working
Examines flexible work policies and practices that support work–life balance, parental leave, and staff wellbeing.
Diversity & Inclusion
Covers firm policies and initiatives that foster an inclusive workplace and support diversity across backgrounds and identities.
Employee Wellbeing
Assesses policies and initiatives that promote psychosocial and physical wellbeing for staff.
Staff Development
Reports on training, learning opportunities, and professional development initiatives that build capability and career progression.
Governance
Sustainable Procurement
Evaluates how firms integrate environmental, social, ethical, and human-rights considerations – including modern slavery risk – into purchasing and supplier decision-making.
Enterprise Risk Management
Assesses how ESG risks are incorporated into firm-wide risk management frameworks and governance processes.
Public Sustainability Reporting
Covers external disclosures through sustainability reports, frameworks, and public commitments to transparency.
Organisational Codes of Conduct
Examines ethical standards, conduct expectations, and training in place to guide professional behaviour and accountability.
Community
Legal Pro Bono
Reports on firm strategies, commitments, and contributions to providing free legal assistance to those in need.
Community Volunteering
Covers how firms support and coordinate staff involvement in volunteering and community service activities.
First Nations Reconciliation
Assesses firm commitments, policies, Reconciliation Action Plan participation, and initiatives that support reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Corporate Giving
Reports on philanthropic strategies, donations, fundraising, and long-term community partnership programs.
Key Member Services & Programs
Comprehensive sustainability reporting framework
AusLSA offers a comprehensive ESG sustainability reporting tool, tailored specifically for Australian law firms and aligned with:
- Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
- Greenhouse Gas Protocol (including Scope 3 categories)
- UN Sustainable Development Goals
Firms report annually on the following topics:
- Emissions and energy
- Environmental management
- Workforce wellbeing, diversity and inclusion
- Community and pro bono activity
- Governance and ethical conduct
This framework supports consistent ESG disclosure, simplifies data collection, and enables performance tracking and benchmarking.
Climate & ESG readiness support
AusLSA provides practical tools and resources to help firms prepare for emerging obligations, including:
- Emissions inventory measurement and reporting (including Scope 3)
- Modern slavery risk assessments
- Enhancing supply chain sustainability and procurement practices
Capacity building through expert education
Members gain access to ongoing educational opportunities, including:
- Webinars and workshops with ESG and legal sector experts
- Training on climate governance, emissions strategy, and modern slavery
- Sessions focused on Scope 3 measurement and ESG disclosure trends
These events support teams across legal, operational, and leadership roles to build the skills needed to address key ESG challenges.