By GAIL North America

“I think it’s important for all actors to consider their impact. I believe the emergence of ESG regulations reflects a new understanding that private entities are now considered responsible for their environmental and social externalities, ie their impact. We lawyers should help them take on that responsibility, either by supporting companies that already appreciate their role, or helping other large entities to realize they too have a responsibility for their impact.”

Patrick Miller, Founding Attorney at Impact Advocates APC

This series by GAIL North America spotlights our members across the United States and the diverse ways they are practising impact law. Through their stories, you’ll discover how lawyers are using their skills, knowledge, and creativity to drive meaningful change, whether they work in law firms, organisations, non-profits, or as independent practitioners.

Being an impact lawyer isn’t defined by a job title or by practicing impact law full-time. It’s about a commitment: using legal expertise to create positive outcomes for people and the planet. In each installment, we’ll share how members of our community are weaving this commitment into their careers, championing justice, sustainability, and equity in ways big and small.

For this article, we hear from Patrick Miller, Founding Attorney at Impact Advocates APC.

Describe your area of practice

I help resolve legal disputes for mission driven entities like social businesses and nonprofits. I also advise companies on their ESG legal responsibilities, particularly relating to business and human rights and responsible contracting. I also advocate on behalf of stakeholders like consumers or workers who have claims against large businesses.

Please share your view on what it means to be an ‘impact lawyer’

When we support clients that are making an impact – this gives us an opportunity to be part of the ecosystem of companies and individuals that take accountability for their role in society. This fosters the movement and helps ensure that socially-responsible businesses prosper.

Why do you think it is important for lawyers to think about their work from an impact perspective? 

I think it’s important for all actors to consider their impact. I believe the emergence of ESG regulations reflects a new understanding that private entities are now considered responsible for their environmental and social externalities, ie their impact. We lawyers should help them take on that responsibility, either by supporting companies that already appreciate their role, or helping other large entities to realize they too have a responsibility for their impact.

I also promote other lawyers who are doing this work through a YouTube series I host for the California Lawyers Association’s ESG Committee. I’m also leading a Working Group of professionals trying to change the laws in California around responsible supply chains.

Briefly describe your journey as a lawyer and how you came to focus your practice on making a positive impact on people and planet?

I was always interested in international economic development and responsible globalization that lifts all boats. I spent the first ten years of my career practicing international arbitration at large international firms, which gave me the opportunity to learn how international business works – and to hone my skills as an advocate. I then spent the next five years focusing on responsible business practices and laws relating to the same. I’ve now been able to merge my experience in dispute resolution and international business with my focus on responsible business conduct.

My experience working on large, complex matters has given me the skills to advocate on behalf of smaller parties against the largest and most sophisticated entities in the world. It’s important to me that even smaller parties can receive excellent advocacy.  

What drew you to GAIL?

GAIL has been a welcome surprise because I usually don’t find myself joining organizations like this. But participating in this group has allowed me to connect with so many like-minded professionals around the world who have the skills and motivation to do impactful work.

What’s something you’re surprisingly good at that’s not on your resume? 

I really love being a dad to my 7 and 9 year old kids. And although it’s hard to judge whether you’re “good” at parenting – I’d say that since I enjoy it so much, I’m probably doing a pretty good job!

Find out more about joining GAIL here.

Hear from other impact lawyers as the series continues.