The Texas Lawbook Interviews Johnjerica Hodge on What's Next for the ESG Movement

ESG Risk and Investigations partner and co-chair Johnjerica Hodge sat down for an interview with The Texas Lawbook to share more about the firm's practice, which she helped launch with former University of Alabama classmate and fellow co-chair India Williams, as well as her career path to Katten and the growing importance of ESG issues.

Johnjerica, who splits her time between the firm's Washington, DC and Dallas offices, told The Texas Lawbook that she and India have a long history together that spans from undergrad to law school to later teaching a course together at their alma mater. Noting their shared vision for building a practice that would address clients' "holistic ESG needs," Johnjerica said, "What is better than exploring this developing area of law with someone you've known for over a decade and complements you so well?" Together, Johnjerica and India have created "a cross-functional, collaborative team that is diverse in race, gender, age and experience" and is well-positioned to help clients respond to shareholder activism, stay compliant with federal and local laws, and proactively advance their long-term ESG goals.

Johnjerica also discussed how she envisions the ESG movement evolving in the near future, including the steady rise in its importance. "ESG will be something companies promptly take into account – even more than now," she said, emphasizing that the social and governance aspects are now gaining more attention by consumers, investors and other stakeholders.

"Q&A with Katten ESG Expert Johnjerica Hodge," The Texas Lawbook, July 20, 2023.