Ulysses Smith is Debevoise & Plimpton’s ESG Senior Adviser.
He is a leading lawyer and thought leader on ESG, working at the intersection of sustainability, governance, rule of law, anti-corruption, and human rights. His experience includes advising major multinationals, not-for profit organizations, governments, and multilateral institutions on a range of sustainability and governance issues.
He has devised tailored inclusive models of governance and sustainability, addressing a range of ESG factors and risks, including environmental sustainability, human rights and labor issues, corruption and sanctions.
Mr. Smith is recognized by The Legal 500 US (2024). He is a UN Global Compact Sustainable Development Goals Pioneer for work advancing good governance, human rights, and the rule of law, and is a member of the UN Global Compact’s Expert Network, focused on sustainability and governance. He has held leadership positions in bar associations including the New York City Bar Association, where he chaired the United Nations Committee, as well as the Task Force on Good Governance in the Secretary-General Selection, and is a frequent speaker and commentator on ESG, law, policy and related developments.
Mr. Smith has authored and contributed to a variety of publications on evolving ESG issues. He acts as editor of the firm’s ESG Update, a regular and prominent source of news for clients and contacts. He is also editor of Global Legal Post’s “ESG Comparative Guide”, which examines ESG regulatory developments across multiple jurisdictions. He is also co-author of a chapter in Global Legal Insight’s M&A guide, entitled “Addressing ESG Considerations in the M&A Context”. Other recent publications include “6 ‘Soft Law’ Frameworks for GPs to Consider,” New Private Markets (June, 2025); “Answers to Common Questions on California's Climate Disclosure Law,” Watershed Blog (May, 2025); “Navigating US and EU Regulatory Differences,” New Private Markets (September, 2024); and “Uncertainty Follows SEC Stay of Contested Climate Disclosure Rule,” Global Legal Post (April, 2024).
Mr. Smith received his B.A. from the University of Illinois in 1997, and his J.D. from Cornell Law School in 2007.