Ulysses Smith

Debevoise & Plimpton [email protected]

Ulysses Smith is Debevoise & Plimpton’s ESG Senior Adviser. He is a leading lawyer and thought leader on ESG, working at the intersection of sustainability, governance, rule of law, anti-corruption, and human rights. His experience includes advising major multinationals, not-for-profit organizations, governments and multilateral institutions on a range of sustainability and governance issues. He has devised tailored inclusive models of governance and sustainability, addressing a range of ESG factors and risks, including environmental sustainability, human rights and labor issues, corruption, and sanctions. He is a UN Global Compact Sustainable Development Goals Pioneer for work advancing good governance, human rights, and the rule of law, and is a member of the UN Global Compact’s Expert Network, focused on sustainability and governance. He has held leadership positions in bar associations including the New York City Bar Association, where he chaired the United Nations Committee, as well as the Task Force on Good Governance in the Secretary-General Selection, and is a frequent speaker and commentator on ESG, law, policy, and related developments.

Publications

Co-author of the United States chapter in the Environmental, Social & Governance Law Guide , published 15 April 2025 , alongside Andrew M. Levine and Caroline N. Swett .

Co-author of the United States chapter in the Environmental, Social & Governance Law Guide , published 15 March 2023 , alongside Andrew M. Levine and Caroline N. Swett .

Ulysses Smith

Publications

Contributed Articles

ESG in 2025: Shifting Dynamics

Uncertainty follows SEC stay of contested climate disclosure rule

ESG in 2023: A Fragmenting Landscape

SEC signals landmark for US climate change regulation