Sarah McGarrell and Tess Edwards Panelists at BBA Program: From Policy to Practice - ESG Law in 2026

Pierce Atwood attorneys Sarah McGarrell and Tess Edwards participated in a BBA panel discussion on the current state of corporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies, and how lawyers can best navigate their clients through competing risks in an ever-changing landscape. The discussion focused on policies that have changed over the past year with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission withdrawing disclosure rules and an executive order signed by President Trump on December 11, 2025, targeting proxy advisers using ESG and DEI frameworks.

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Sarah McGarrell works with emerging growth and closely held companies as well as angel investors, family offices, and institutional investors focused on privately held investments across all stages of growth. She also serves as head of the firm’s cannabis practice.

Tess Edwards specializes in zoning and permitting matters — from supporting commercial and residential developers in obtaining local and wetlands permits, to litigating those permits on appeal. Tess also has a passion for renewable energy development and supports utility-scale solar and battery energy storage developers in permitting, financing, and contracting.