About Us

Jessica Blumenthal is an Executive at ENSafrica in the Banking and Finance practice, specialising in ESG and sustainable finance, structured finance, restructuring, financial services regulation and alternative investment strategies.

She has deep expertise in fund formation and regulatory advisory work for private equity, venture capital and other alternative investment funds and as part of this practice area, Jessica advises impact funders, start-ups and fintech clients in respect of appropriate funding instruments.

Jessica represents institutional clients both in South Africa and internationally, including banks, asset managers, funds and insurers and is considered a trusted advisor to corporate clients, high net worth individuals and family offices.

Jessica is a founding member of the ESG working group at ENSafrica and has presented on ESG and sustainability issues to financial services sector clients, advised banks and asset managers on policy and strategy adoption,  advised financial institutions on their internal processes to ensure ESG considerations are embedded in the investment process and represented both borrowers and lenders in sustainable finance transactions.

Sotaro is currently a corporate lawyer specializing in cross-border M&A and finance at Nishimura & Asahi in London, UK. With the firm’s headquarters in Tokyo, he primarily provides legal services to Japanese clients. His expertise spans a wide range of corporate law, including: (a) social impact business, (b) impact finance, (c) asset management, (d) fund business, including offshore funds, (e) financial regulatory matters, (f) real estate finance and securitization, (g) global securities offerings, and (h) general corporate matters. Sotaro’s strengths lie in his detailed analysis of complex issues and his ability to promptly deliver optimal solutions. He has a strong interest in social impact business, particularly from a financial law perspective, and is passionate about sharing the knowledge and insights of impact law in the UK with countries across Asia.

Dan is an experienced attorney with a demonstrated history of working with non-profit organizations. An entrepreneur at heart, he advises social businesses and NGOs addressing today’s social, cultural and environmental issues. Most notably, he acts as general counsel to the Sustainable Infrastructure Foundation, an organization led and financed by the Multilateral Development Banks and headquartered in Geneva. 

Alongside his practice, Dan founded a non-profit aimed at providing legal and administrative support to the elderly and persons with disability in Geneva. 

He is a board member of the Global Alliance of Impact Lawyers as well as the Geneva Cancer Ligue.

When he’s not at the office, he can most likely be found hiking with his family, running trails, and climbing mountains in the Alps.

Latin American lawyer and seasoned Legal Advisor specializing in sustainable finance, impact investments, and B Corps. She holds a Doctorate in Law and Social Sciences from UDELAR (Uruguay) and a Diploma in Sustainable Finance from Finis Terrae University (Chile), with vast experience in the legal structuring of BIC trusts and funds that follow triple-impact models to promote social, environmental, and economic benefits.

As the Founding Partner of YOUHUB Legal Impact Consultant, collaborated in drafting and promoting Uruguay’s groundbreaking BIC Law (No. 19,969), which supports businesses and trusts dedicated to collective benefit. She has published extensively on ESG, impact investing, and female leadership, contributing research and co-authoring works for international organizations that guide individuals and organizations in adapting to new, purpose-driven economic models (Researcher for Blab, IDRC, BID, GRI, ANII).

Beyond the work in sustainable finance, serves as a mentor and educator, leading initiatives on new economies and consulting for UN Women. Co-founder an active member of GAIL LATAM Regional Board, advocating for sustainable development and economic empowerment across the region.

Lila Gasca is the Pro Bono Director at Hogan Lovells México, where she has led impactful initiatives since 2009, aligning the firm’s Corporate Social Responsibility strategy with its global policies and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. As an impact lawyer, she specializes in advising civil society organizations, microenterprises, and purpose-driven companies on complex legal challenges. Lila has been instrumental in advancing pro bono culture in Mexico and Latin America, co-founding the Pro Bono Mexico Standards to establish a national framework for legal impact work.

In addition to her pro bono expertise, Lila has driven successful programs in community impact, operational sustainability, diversity, equity, and inclusion, wellbeing and fundraising partnerships. She has also received numerous national and international awards for her contributions to pro bono and CSR initiatives.

A passionate advocate for systemic change, Lila is recognized for her ability to identify legal needs and craft innovative strategies to address social and environmental challenges. Currently, she serves as an advisor to various organizations, including Make a Wish México and the Global Alliance of Impact Lawyers, she is Vice President of the Corporate Social Responsibility Commission at the International Chamber of Commerce México, and  Pro bono Council for Trustlaw.

Elizabeth Lange co-leads the ESG team at Faegre Drinker. Based in Philadelphia, she advises clients on M&A, Governance and B Corp matters.

Lizzie represents public and private clients, including Fortune 50 and startup companies, in mergers and acquisitions, governance, and other corporate and securities matters. Recognized for her involvement in social enterprise and impact finance law, Lizzie has written extensively on legal and regulatory issues relating to social enterprise legal forms.

Sarah Ellington has significant and varied experience in cross-border disputes and crisis management for governments, governmental agencies and international organisations, as well as multinational corporations, particularly in relation to ESG, technology and fraud.

She helps clients obtain successful outcomes within a number of procedural frameworks including courts, arbitration, mediation, UN complaints (Special Procedure Mandates), OECD complaints to National Contact Points (Specific Instances) and private grievance mechanisms.

Sarah advises clients on risk management and governance issues associated with ESG, business and human rights and sustainability agendas, including emerging regulatory and “soft law” standards and how these interact with contractual, tortious and fiduciary duties.

She focuses on developing practical solutions in conjunction with clients, which businesses are able to implement throughout their operations without undue risk to commercial operations, or unnecessarily increasing litigation risk. This includes developing due diligence procedures and putting in place grievance redress mechanisms.

Sarah works with clients and colleagues across the globe, including across Africa, Asia and Latin America and has served on GAIL’s UK Regional Board and has represented GAIL at multiple events.