Dhir & Dhir Associates has launched the 5th Edition of its one-of-a-kind initiative: “Virtual Legal Marathon on ESG – A 24-Hour Live Research Lab.”
The initiative continues to build momentum year after year, encouraging law students to explore the multidimensional aspects of Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) through immersive, high-intensity legal research.
Since its debut in 2021, the initiative has garnered support from thousands of aspiring legal professionals across more than 200 law colleges and universities in India. Notably, the initiative was registered with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as part of the World Environment Day Celebrations. This year, the 2025 edition proudly aligns with UNEP’s global campaign on “#BeatPlasticPollution’ reinforcing the firm’s commitment to sustainable legal development.
On the firm’s continuing efforts to lead ESG dialogue in the legal space, Alok Dhir, Founder & Managing Partner, Dhir & Dhir Associates, remarked,
“The Firm has always prioritized empowering young legal minds and nurturing responsible leadership through our Building Young India initiatives. With this research lab, we aim to ignite thought-provoking discourse on ESG among students while exposing them to the pressing legal challenges and opportunities in the domain. I wish all participants of the 2025 marathon an enriching experience.”
As with previous editions, the top 100 shortlisted registrants will be guided through a meticulously structured virtual research format provided by the ESG Advisory Desk of the firm. Over a 24-hour span, students will explore diverse ESG themes, draft reports, and analyze real-world scenarios across various industries.
All submissions are evaluated based on originality, relevance, legal insight, and practical applicability. 30 participants will be awarded Internship Opportunities with Dhir & Dhir Associates and its ESG Advisory collaborators. Winners will also receive certificates of achievement, subscriptions to Lex Witness, and the opportunity to co-author ESG research papers with firm’s mentors.
Commenting on the program’s scale and evolution, Poonam Bisht, Chief Executive Officer, Dhir & Dhir Associates, said,
“From a novel experiment in 2021 to a nationwide legal research movement in 2025, the Virtual Legal Marathon continues to redefine experiential legal learning in India. We’re proud to see this initiative grow and evolve under the visionary leadership of Sonal Verma and the dedicated ESG Advisory team.”
The country’s first ESG Advisory Practice Desk, led by Sonal Verma, Partner – ESG Advisory, has curated the content and structure for the 2025 edition, combining case law research, corporate ESG disclosures, and best practices from international frameworks like the SDGs, GRI Standards, and IFRS Sustainability Reporting.
“The purpose of the marathon is not only to educate but to inspire. Legal professionals today must integrate ESG understanding into their core competencies. This lab gives students that opportunity – not just to learn, but to lead,” said Verma.
To register and learn more about the ESG Legal Marathon, visit:
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