The Environmental Law Section presents
Preparing for the California Climate Disclosure Requirements
CA SB 219, 253 & 261 and detailed education on how clients can comply with “the 200s” and create a roadmap for continuous improvement
| Date |
Thursday, November 20, 2025 |
| MCLE Registration |
11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
| In-Person Program |
12:00 - 1:15 p.m. |
| |
Lunch will be provided by GSI Environmental Inc.
|
| MCLE |
1 Hour |
Location
|
BASF Offices
50 Fremont Street, Suite 1700
San Francisco, CA |
Speakers
   |
 |
 |
Albert Chung
GSI Environmental |
Becky Twohey
GSI Environmental |
Sedina L Banks
Greenberg Glusker |
California’s landmark climate disclosure laws - Senate Bills 219, 253, and 261, now collectively referred to as “the 200s” - are reshaping how companies report on greenhouse gas emissions, climate-related financial risks, and sustainability governance. These requirements don’t just affect publicly traded corporations: privately held companies, subsidiaries, and entities “doing business” in California are also coming into scope. For attorneys, this wave of regulation presents both a challenge and an opportunity: clients will increasingly look to legal counsel for guidance on compliance obligations, disclosure risk, and long-term strategy.
This program will provide attorneys with a practical, behind-the-scenes understanding of what these laws mean in practice. Attendees will learn what goes into creating a greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory (e.g., how companies calculate emissions across Scope 1, 2, and 3, what data challenges arise) and how this process intersects with legal considerations such as documentation, recordkeeping, and liability. We will walk through the assurance process, including what “reasonable” vs. “limited” assurance entails, how verification letters are structured, and what assurance providers look for.
You’ll gain insight into how consultants work with companies to conduct a gap analysis, benchmarking current practices against California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) minimum disclosure checklist under SB 261. We’ll cover the steps businesses must take to prepare a climate-related financial risk report: governance structures, risk identification, scenario analysis, and disclosure alignment. Importantly, you will see how these reports are designed not only to meet immediate compliance obligations but also to set companies on a path of continuous improvement toward future, more stringent disclosures.
For lawyers advising clients in corporate governance, securities, finance, real estate, or transactional law, the implications are wide-ranging: risk management disclosures will affect board oversight duties, contract language, investor communications, M&A due diligence, and litigation exposure. This talk will equip you with the knowledge to anticipate client needs, identify compliance gaps, and understand how your legal advice intersects with technical, financial, and sustainability expertise.
Whether your clients are large public filers, private equity portfolio companies, or family-owned businesses operating in California, you will come away with a clear understanding of the new compliance landscape and how to add value as trusted counsel in navigating it.
Topics
- What preparing an inaugural GHG inventory entails
- Insights into the assurance process
- How to evaluate a company’s current state of compliance
- What a “good faith” disclosure includes
- Preparing for future disclosures
Section Chair
Sean G. Herman, Hanson Bridgett
Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Email events@sfbar.org
Event Code: G252901
For a printable flyer, click here.
For related events, click here.
Cost
| FREE |
BASF Law Student |
| $50 |
Section Member |
| $60 |
BASF Member |
| $75 |
Nonmember |
| |
All prices increase $10 on the day of the program |
| |
Join or Renew Today and Save! |
To Register
- Sign in to your account, then select Register Myself at the bottom of the page.
- Don't know your account information? Click Forgot username? or Forgot password? at the top right-hand corner.
- Don't have an account? Select Create Account at the top right-hand corner.
- Simply want to register for an event? Select Register for an Event at the top right-hand corner.
- Select Proceed to Checkout to enter payment information, then Submit Order to complete the registration process.
Program Access
This is an in-Person program only. Virtual access will not be available. Program recordings are not guaranteed and/or included with this registration, nor immediately accessible to registrants. Approved recordings of live programs are converted to On-Demand CLE Courses and available for separate purchase through a third-party library 30 business days after the live recording.
Substitution, Cancellation, and Refund Requests
For CLE events of 1.5 hours or less, Lunch & Learn programs, Happy Hours, Receptions, and Mixers, a refund is available if you submit your cancellation request at least 48 hours prior to the event. A $10 handling fee will be deducted from your refund. Please complete the Event Cancellation Form.
For CLE events longer than 1.5 hours, and for special events such as conferences, symposiums, professional development training programs, a 50% refund is available if you cancel at least 10 business days prior to the event. Please complete the Event Cancellation Form.
If you are unable to attend, you may send a substitute. Please complete the Event Cancellation Form.
MCLE Notice
To receive MCLE credit, you must sign in during the designated MCLE registration period. This activity is approved for Minimum Continuing Legal Education credit by the State Bar of California. BASF is a certified provider: Provider #103
Accessibility
People with disabilities and/or special requests should contact BASF regarding reasonable accommodations.