A Guide to Human Rights Due Diligence for Lawyers - Corinne Elizabeth Lewis

A Guide to Human Rights Due Diligence for Lawyers Corinne Elizabeth Lewis ISBN 9781639052028

Business clients are increasingly turning to their lawyers for guidance on human rights due diligence (HRDD) as they confront a growing and complex web of legal obligations and soft-law standards. Governments, investors, and society at large now expect businesses to respect human rights across their operations and value chains, creating new and expanding opportunities for lawyers to advise on HRDD strategy, compliance, and implementation.

Designed for both U.S. and international practitioners, this comprehensive guide serves as an essential resource for understanding HRDD—from its foundational principles to the practical realities of putting it into practice. It equips lawyers with the knowledge needed to support business clients in meeting evolving expectations while managing legal, operational, and reputational risk.

Part I introduces the core elements of HRDD, including the due diligence process, lawyers’ ethical responsibilities, and key legal requirements. Part II focuses on implementation, addressing topics such as corporate governance, integration with compliance programs, grievance mechanisms, stakeholder engagement, gender-responsive HRDD, and consultation with Indigenous peoples. Part III examines emerging and high-impact developments that shape HRDD today, including supplier and value-chain risks, financial sector considerations, the intersection of environmental and climate issues with HRDD, and operations in high-risk or conflict-affected settings.

Through expert contributions, this guide deepens lawyers’ understanding of HRDD and strengthens their ability to help businesses respect human rights—advancing sustainable development and supporting the social dimension of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance).

A Guide to Human Rights Due Diligence for Lawyers Corinne Elizabeth Lewis ISBN 9781639052028, 978-1639052028 & 9781639052035

Authors
Corinne Elizabeth Lewis
Constance Z Wagner