Alumni spotlight | Carolina Canepari

What have you been up to since leaving, and what does your current role involve?

After leaving Withers in 2021, I moved to Canada to pursue a Master of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto. It was a big step, both professionally and personally, and gave me the opportunity to explore the intersection between law, policy and environmental issues in more depth.

Following my studies I worked with an NGO before moving to London in 2023, where I joined ISS Corporate. I support issuers looking to access the market with sustainable financial products, assessing both the products themselves and the projects they intend to finance.

A significant part of my role is regulatory analysis, particularly around EU sustainability frameworks. I lead our internal work on the EU taxonomy, helping to keep the team up to date with regulatory developments. I really enjoy being able to combine my legal, financial and sustainability interests in a space that continues to evolve.

What led you to move from private practice into ESG-focused work?

It wasn’t a single defining moment, but rather something that happened gradually. ESG is something I've been interested in for a long time, my dissertation at law school focused on the intersection between commercial law and environmental protection.

I really enjoyed the work I was doing at Withers, but over time I found myself increasingly drawn to questions around sustainability and the broader impact of what I was doing. Deciding to step away from private practice and go back into education was a big decision, but it felt like the right moment to do it. Looking back, it’s a choice I’m very glad I made.

What skills from your legal career have been the most valuable in your current role?

My legal background has been incredibly valuable, particularly my experience working on financing matters at Withers, which remains directly relevant to the space I’m in now. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to interpret and apply regulatory frameworks are central to what I do, particularly given the pace of change in sustainability regulations. The discipline you develop as a lawyer is something I still rely on day-to-day.

Equally important are communication skills: being able to explain complex concepts clearly to different audiences, whether that’s clients or internal stakeholders. The early client exposure I had at Withers really helped to build that confidence, and it’s been invaluable throughout my career.

You've worked across a number of countries. How has that shaped your perspective?

Working and studying in different countries has had a significant impact on how I approach both work and relationships. It’s made me much more aware of how cultural differences influence communication styles, expectations and ways of working.

For example, the level of directness or openness can vary significantly depending on the context. What feels straightforward in one setting can come across quite differently in another, so learning to adapt your approach is key.

It's something you learn over time, but it’s been a really valuable part of my experience and has helped me work more effectively across different teams and environments.

What do you miss most about your time at Withers?

Probably the people. It was a particular stage of life, we were all relatively early in our careers, learning a lot, and working closely together.

There was a real sense that people were invested in each other’s development, and that created a very positive environment to grow in. Even now, many of those relationships have stayed with me, and whenever I’m back in Milan I still make time to catch up with former colleagues.

What advice would you give to someone earlier in their career at Withers today?

I would encourage them not to underestimate the breadth of exposure they can gain early in their career. It’s easy to focus on the day-to-day work and exams but taking the time to understand not just what you’re doing, but why you’re doing it, can really shape how your career develops.

What's next for you?

I’m really enjoying my current role and the direction I’m heading in. My focus is on continuing to deepen my expertise in regulatory and sustainable finance, particularly as EU frameworks continue to evolve

On a personal level, I love being based in London and building a life here alongside my work. I see myself here for a while and am excited to see where this path takes me over the coming years.