Socially Responsible Business and Impact Investing

The business world has grown more complex as many companies and individuals seek multiple bottom lines of profit and social and environmental impact. New purpose-driven companies and complex nonprofit and for-profit hybrids are emerging every day. Established brands are also increasingly interested in and expected to develop social responsibility initiatives. Impact investors seek new investment structures and innovative legal models to blend philanthropy and traditional investments. Regardless of the purpose or scale of the social enterprise being launched, organizations need innovative legal advisors that support their goals and beliefs.

Taft’s attorneys serve as like-minded partners, leading companies in the emerging economy of conscious capitalism and purpose-driven enterprise. Our work includes advising clients on alternative legal structures, such as benefit corporations and public benefit limited liability companies, as well as third-party certifications and standards such as B Corp certification and GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) standards for sustainability reporting. At Taft, we not only provide legal services to social and environmentally conscious clients, but we are also deeply involved in the movement ourselves. Our team has lobbied for social entrepreneurship in the Midwest and regularly leads discussions about innovative business structures. We were proud to have had a hand in promoting Indiana’s benefit corporation legislation, being part of the inaugural Benefit Company Bar Association, and co-leading a study of social entrepreneurship in the region.