Legal’s Strategic Shift in ESG from Compliance to Value Creation: An Interview with Sean D. Tseng
In the dynamic world of corporate sustainability, Sean D. Tseng stands out as a forward-thinking legal leader, seamlessly integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) imperatives into the heart of business strategy.
As an in-house counsel with a unique background spanning non-governmental organisations (NGOs), academia, and corporate law, Sean brings a holistic perspective to the evolving role of legal departments in driving sustainability and value creation.
A Journey from Advocacy to In-House Impact
Sean’s career trajectory is marked by a deep commitment to meaningful change. He began his legal career at Allen & Gledhill LLP, where he developed a strong foundation in the practice of law before pursuing a Master of Laws in Environmental Law & Policy at University College London. He then worked at ClientEarth, an environmental law charity, where he witnessed the power of law as a catalyst for corporate transformation.
Now, as Senior Legal Counsel in Sustainability at SHEIN, Sean is able to address sustainability challenges firsthand. “I began to see the value in change being more effectively made from within, rather than from the outside looking in,” Sean reflects on his transition to an in-house legal role. This move allowed him to leverage his legal expertise to support and shape a company’s sustainability journey, while also rekindling the analytical skills he honed in private practice.
His academic and research experiences have further provided a strong theoretical foundation, enabling him to connect environmental law concepts to practical business solutions. “It’s about knowing what we’re working towards and ensuring we stay on the right path,” Sean notes, emphasising the importance of a clear vision in corporate sustainability efforts.
I began to see the value in change being more effectively made from within, rather than from the outside looking in. It’s about knowing what we’re working towards and ensuring we stay on the right path.
The Strategic Role of Legal in ESG
As Sean’s career has evolved, so too has his perspective on the legal function’s role in ESG. For him, ESG is not a peripheral concern but a central business priority. “ESG is no longer a nice to have. It’s a critical part of a business,” he asserts, especially as consumer preferences, investor priorities, and regulatory landscapes evolve rapidly. In industries like e-commerce, ESG considerations are reshaping manufacturing, logistics, and environmental impact management.
The legal function, Sean explains, has evolved from a compliance gatekeeper to a strategic advisor. Sean’s approach as legal counsel is rooted in a deep understanding of the business. “Sustainability issues are unique to each company—shaped by industry, geography, and regulatory context,” he explains. Legal advice, therefore, must bridge the gap between strict compliance and strategic business direction. “Managing ESG risks is not just about avoiding harm; it’s about positioning the business for long-term resilience,” Sean emphasises.
By framing compliance as a foundation for strategy, legal teams can help organisations meet stakeholder expectations while unlocking opportunities for brand enhancement, operational efficiency, and competitive advantage.
Sustainability issues are unique to each company—shaped by industry, geography, and regulatory context. Managing ESG risks is not just about avoiding harm; it’s about positioning the business for long-term resilience.
Anticipating Regulatory Trends and Fostering Collaboration
Looking ahead, Sean identifies intensifying regulatory scrutiny—particularly around environmental claims, supply chain due diligence, extended producer responsibility and waste management—as a key challenge for organisations. Legal teams play a critical role in monitoring, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with emerging regulations, as well as aligning internal practices with external disclosures to mitigate reputational and legal risks. “The role of legal will continue to grow, shaped by expanding regulations and increasing sophistication and expectations from regulators, NGOs, and consumers,” he predicts.
To meet these challenges, Sean underscores the importance of collaboration between legal and other key functions such as sustainability, investor relations, and strategy. “Legal is needed at the outset—it cannot and should not be brought in only at the end to for a stamp of approval,” he insists.
Engaging the ESG legal team earlier in business initiatives enables them to anticipate regulatory and compliance issues, and manage reputational risks in a rapidly changing landscape. This cross-functional approach not only strengthens governance but also enriches Sean’s own learning, as he benefits from the expertise of colleagues across the organisation.
Leadership, Mentorship, and Community
Remaining at the forefront of ESG requires both vigilance and vision. Sean’s team leverages regulatory technology tools, participates in webinars and conferences, and closely monitors international developments to keep pace with the latest trends and regulations. “It’s critical to keep track of the biggest developments happening on an international level,” he notes, highlighting the importance of staying informed about legal opinions that may impact corporate decarbonisation standards.
Drawing from his own journey, Sean encourages aspiring legal leaders to develop a deep understanding of the business, embrace cross-functional collaboration, and view ESG not just as a compliance obligation but as a driver of long-term value and resilience. Through this proactive and strategic approach, Sean demonstrates how legal departments can be at the forefront of shaping a sustainable future for businesses.
The role of legal will continue to grow, shaped by expanding regulations and increasing sophistication and expectations from regulators, NGOs, and consumers.
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