Sonal Verma

Partner, ESG & Global Leader, Markets & Strategy at Dhir & Dhir Associates Chair, CESL

Sonal is a celebrated corporate lawyer having over 18 years of experience with focus on Regulatory & Statutory frameworks . His extensive expertise has seen him execute complex projects in compliance & regulatory domain across 61 jurisdictions, showcasing his unparalleled ability to navigate and influence global legal landscapes. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the legal field, Sonal was honoured in Forbes India's Top 100 Lawyers of 2023. His influence and leadership were further acknowledged by the UK Asia Business Council, which named him one of the Top 100 Inspirational Leaders in 2022. Demonstrating his thought leadership in the area of artificial intelligence and its societal impact, Sonal authored "AI for Good: India and Beyond," a book that quickly became an Amazon bestseller. He has authored 5 books till date, Sonal”s commitment to excellence in leading the ESG practice at Dhir & Dhir Associates have brought recognition & awards for the firm from respected institutions like Business World , Indian Business Law Journal, Forbes India,Mondaq and others. His expertise is further sought after on the international stage, where he serves on the Expert Panel of UNESCO's Inclusive Policy Hub. Domestically, he contributes to shaping policy and regulatory frameworks as a member of the National Legal & Regulatory Committee of the EU Chambers of Commerce.
Sonal leads lots of youth Initiatives of the firm like the Spotify Podcast series –ESG Decibels .The Planet People Program and the ESG Research Lab are great hits with the student community . Sonal is deeply involved in academia. He is a valued member of the Board of Studies for NMIMS Law College and the NMIMS MBA (Law) course, where he helps to guide and inspire the next generation of legal professionals.



Vidhi Thukral

Chief Manager, ESG at Max Life Insurance Company Limited Co-Vice Chair, CESL

Vidhi Thukral is an accomplished ESG practitioner and environmental lawyer with over a decade of experience spanning sustainability, corporate governance, and legal consulting. Currently serving as Chief Manager - ESG at Max Life Insurance, she spearheads initiatives integrating environmental, social, and governance frameworks into corporate operations. Her expertise includes corporate social responsibility, diversity and inclusion, sustainable development goals, and socially responsible investing. Before her tenure at Max Life, Vidhi honed her environmental policy acumen at WWF-India as a Senior Programme Officer and contributed to regulatory frameworks as an Assistant Legal Consultant with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB).
Vidhi’s academic foundation is as impressive as her professional trajectory. She holds an LL.M. specializing in Environmental Law, Energy, and Climate Change from Jindal Global Law School and is a certified Company Secretary. Her early roles at the Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests, Aviva Life Insurance, and KPMG Global Services laid the groundwork for her multidisciplinary approach to sustainable development. A skilled communicator and advocate, Vidhi combines her legal, governance, and environmental expertise to drive meaningful change in ESG domains and beyond.

Nidhi Rana

CEO, Just Breathe Co-Vice Chair, CESL

Nidhi Rana is a dynamic and visionary leader driving innovation and sustainability in the realm of indoor air quality as the CEO of Just Breathe®. Her pioneering venture combines advanced technology and nature’s brilliance to empower businesses with pure air, enhancing occupant well-being, maximizing operational efficiency, and reducing environmental impact. Just Breathe® is a proud supporter of the UN's Agenda 2030, aligning its operations with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Nidhi has prioritized Good Health & Well-being, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Climate Action as the core objectives guiding her company’s climate-positive mission. Under her leadership, Just Breathe® has earned accolades, including the Brand Impact Award 2021 and recognition as one of the 25 Most Influential Women to Watch in 2022.
With extensive expertise in sustainable practices and strategic real estate solutions, Nidhi has previously held leadership roles at JLL, where she spearheaded transformative workplace strategies for global corporate clients. Her career spans over a decade, with notable accomplishments in business development, stakeholder management, and sustainable real estate transformation. A sought-after speaker at industry events, such as CII Corporate Real Estate panels and the Work Green Conclave, Nidhi advocates for long-term, sustainable business practices. Her philosophy centers on creating solutions that protect nature and ensure a balance between societal benefits and environmental stewardship.

Dr Kavita

Assistant Professor, Department of Policy and Management Studies, TERI School of Advanced Studies Co-Vice Chair, CESL

Dr. Kavita holds an LLB from Delhi University and an LLM in Human Rights from NLIU Bhopal. She qualified for the UGC-NET in 2014 and began her teaching career at Lloyd Law College, where she served as a regular faculty member for three years. During her tenure, she actively contributed to institutional development as part of the Admissions Committee, Moot Court Committee, and Cultural Program Committee. In 2022, she earned her PhD in International Environmental Law from the University School of Law & Legal Studies, GGS Indraprastha University, Delhi, where she was awarded the prestigious Indraprastha Research Fellowship (IPRF) based on her academic rank.
With a cumulative teaching experience of eight years, Dr. Kavita has taught at renowned institutions, including Delhi University, GGS Indraprastha University, the Indian Society of International Law (PG Diploma programs), and Lloyd Law College. She has presented papers at numerous national and international seminars, conferences, and workshops and has over 10 publications addressing critical issues such as climate change, sustainability, gender justice, legal education, and criminal justice. Dr. Kavita has also worked as a Research Associate/Assistant on projects sponsored by the Ministry of Law and Justice and the National Human Rights Commission. Currently, she is an Assistant Professor of Law at TERI School of Advanced Studies, New Delhi. Her research interests span Public International Law (with a focus on Human Rights, Environmental Law, Trade Law, Air and Space Law), Commercial Laws, Intellectual Property Rights, Women’s Law, and Health Law.

Shivangi Vashishta

Senior Research Associate, School of Business Environment, Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Govt. of India Secretary, CESL

Shivangi is a dedicated economist and environmental law professional with a passion for advancing sustainability, climate governance, and environmental justice. Currently serving as a Senior Research Associate at the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), the think tank of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Shivangi has been at the forefront of policy advocacy and capacity-building initiatives in the realm of Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks.
She holds an LLM in Environment and Natural Resources Law from the TERI School of Advanced Studies, where she graduated with distinction, securing a 9.2 CGPA. Prior to that, she earned her B.A. LLB (Hons.) from Campus Law Centre, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, and is a first-division graduate in Economics (Hons.) from Delhi College of Arts and Commerce, University of Delhi. She is also enrolled with the Bar Council of Delhi. Shivangi’s academic and professional journey underscores her commitment to fostering legal and economic solutions to contemporary global challenges. Her work blends rigorous legal scholarship with practical insights into policy and governance, making her a strong advocate for the integration of sustainability into business and legal practices.With her extensive expertise and a clear vision for creating impact, Shivangi continues to contribute to the evolving discourse on law and sustainability, positioning herself as a leader in the field.

Prakhar Pandey

Lecturer and Assistant Director, Environment Law Clinic at Jindal Global Law School Member, CESL

Prakhar is a dedicated academic and environmental law professional with extensive expertise in environmental justice, energy law, and sustainable governance. Currently serving as a Clinical Lecturer and Assistant Director of the Environmental Law Clinic at Jindal Global Law School, he focuses on training future legal professionals in addressing critical environmental and social challenges. He has an impressive academic background, highlighted by his Master of Laws (LLM) in Environmental and Natural Resources Law from the TERI School of Advanced Studies. He holds B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) from Lloyd Law College. He also completed the Urban Fellows Programme at the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS), specializing in climate, urban health systems, and housing policy. Prakhar’s work bridges the gap between academia, research, and practice in environmental law. At Jindal Global Law School, he teaches courses on environmental justice, energy transitions, and sustainable markets. A passionate researcher, Prakhar’s work emphasizes climate change governance, ESG frameworks, and sustainable finance. His tenure at the Environmental Law Clinic and other academic roles has involved policy advocacy, including projects on just energy transitions and the development of green markets. His academic research also explores equity and sustainability, informed by practical experiences in urban policy and governance.
His work aims to empower students and professionals to develop innovative solutions for the pressing environmental, social, and governance challenges of our time. With his unique blend of academic rigor, practical insights, and policy advocacy experience, Prakhar stands out as a transformative figure in the field of environmental law and sustainable development.