PETER GIOELLO
West Orange,NJ
Summary
Accomplished ESG attorney with over 14 years of experience advising clients on ESG and sustainability risks, including disclosure, reporting, corporate governance, finance transactions, and risk mitigation. Exceptional interpersonal skills and strong verbal and written communication for effectively translating complex ESG issues into actionable insights for business professionals. Strategic and emotionally intelligent leader prioritizing trust-building, collaboration, and managing competing priorities under pressure while adapting to evolving business needs. Business-minded approach leveraging strong organizational skills, project management experience, and attention to detail for navigating ESG legal, regulatory, and compliance requirements. Deep understanding of ESG regulations, including US requirements and regulatory frameworks in the UK and EU.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Counsel
ARNOLD & PORTER
08.2022 - 02.2024
- Led and managed a cross-functional team to assess and identify strategic business opportunities for a multinational energy client, leveraging deep expertise in ESG regulations and risk management
- Delivered comprehensive insights on regulatory risks, stakeholder concerns, and business implications, providing actionable recommendations that supported the client's sustainability and green energy initiatives
- Advised clients, including those in the retail sector, on ESG corporate governance best practices, helping them navigate emerging environmental and social risks, SEC enforcement priorities, and evolving disclosure and regulatory frameworks, while mitigating potential legal and regulatory liabilities including with respect to third-party suppliers
- Provided strategic guidance on ESG risks in company statements and marketing materials, balancing business objectives with regulatory requirements, addressing greenwashing concerns, and aligning corporate goals with legal obligations to mitigate exposure
- Led ESG and environmental due diligence on numerous M&A and capital market transactions, drafting and negotiating securities disclosures and related deal documents to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements
- Played a key leadership role in developing and refining the firm's ESG and environmental transactional practice, collaborating with executive management to enhance its strategic direction
- Contributed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, mentoring junior LGBT attorneys and actively promoting inclusive programming within the firm
- Managed the hiring, training and supervision of junior attorneys, paralegals and staff, excelling at team leadership and project management in high-pressure, high-stakes matters
Senior Attorney
CAHILL, GORDON & REINDEL, LLP
09.2008 - 08.2022
- Conducted ESG due diligence on over 1,000 high-stakes transactions, including complex financing deals and M&A, ensuring compliance with relevant disclosure frameworks and securities regulations, and showcasing exceptional organizational and project management skills
- Proactively identified supply chain-related human rights and social risks during due diligence and developed a tailored ESG due diligence process to mitigate reputational and regulatory risks for clients
- Reviewed SEC filings, offering documents and sustainability-related disclosures to ensure compliance with ESG frameworks, including green bonds and sustainability-linked loans, contributing to transparent corporate reporting
- Advised clients on ESG-related disclosure requirements in annual filings and investor communications, including aligning corporate governance practices with regulatory expectations under SEC rules, Delaware law and NYSE/Nasdaq listing standards
- Counseled consumer goods clients on ESG risks and liabilities in marketing materials, helping them avoid greenwashing while preserving corporate messaging and achieving business objectives
- Managed multiple discussions with executives to align corporate ESG goals with legal requirements, building trusted relationships across legacy deals
- Adapted complex environmental and ESG data for diverse audiences, effectively communicating key legal and technical details to business leaders and stakeholders
- Took ownership of high-stakes projects, delivering well-rounded, strategic solutions that drove client success and reinforced the firm's reputation for excellence
- Developed an expert ability to identify risks and opportunities, ensuring comprehensive and proactive advice on ESG-related matters
- Gained diverse experience in multiple practice areas during the first five years, including significant work in general litigation and corporate investigations, including several S&P matters arising out of the 2008 financial crisis
- Supervised and mentored junior attorneys and paralegals, while effectively managing relationships with junior deal team attorneys to ensure seamless collaboration and high-quality deliverables
Education
Certificate - Sustainable Capitalism & ESG
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY
Berkeley, CA06.2022
JD -
BROOKLYN LAW SCHOOL
New York, New York06.2008
BA -
DREW UNIVERSITY
Madison, New Jersey05.2005
Skills
- Sustainability reporting
- Strategic corporate governance
- Effective communication
- Proactive risk management
- ESG compliance and reporting experience
- Legal reporting
- Project execution management
- Relationship-building expertise
- Client counseling
- Data integration
Community Service
- American Bar Association, Section of Environment, Energy & Resources (SEER), 01/01/12, 12/31/24, Secretary & Executive Committee Member, Secretary & Executive Committee Member, 2022 – 2023; Environmental Disclosure Committee Chair, 2012-2017.
- Sustainability Investment Leadership Conference, 01/01/17, 12/31/19, Planning Committee Member, Organized and facilitated a pivotal, interactive Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) discussion.
Publications And Speaking Engagements
- Navigating the Board Director's Role in Environmental, Social, and Governance, Association of Corporate Counsel, 01/01/22, Panelist, Arnold & Porter.
- Sustainability as a Business Practice—A Circular Economy or Just More Spin?, ABA Fall Conference, Nashville, 01/01/22, Panelist, Arnold & Porter.
- ESG Due Diligence and How to Deal with Highly Politicized Social Issues, ABA's ESG Book, 01/01/22, Author, two chapters.
- What Fund Managers Should Know About the Anti-ESG Movement Targeting State Pension Plans, Private Equity Law Report, 01/01/22, Co-Author, Arnold & Porter.
- Financings Hinge on Effective ESG Due Diligence, The Deal, 01/01/22, Co-Author, Cahill Gordon.
- ESG 101, ESG presentation for firm clients, 01/01/22, Panelist, Cahill Gordon.
- Interactive ESG workshop for corporate clients, ABA Fall Conference, Denver, 01/01/16, Key Organizer & Panelist.
Certification
Admitted to Practice in New York
Timeline
Counsel
ARNOLD & PORTER
08.2022 - 02.2024
Senior Attorney
CAHILL, GORDON & REINDEL, LLP
09.2008 - 08.2022
JD -
BROOKLYN LAW SCHOOL
BA -
DREW UNIVERSITY
Certificate - Sustainable Capitalism & ESG
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY
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