Three of the most environmentally focused inhouse lawyers around, Anthony Hobley, Mark Evans and Anna Janaszek, are making a tangible difference when it comes to environmental law.

Hobley was an early pioneer in environmental and carbon trading law while a senior associate at Baker & McKenzie. Now, as director of legal policy and general counsel to the fund at environmental investment bank Climate Change Capital, Hobley has the resources and the sway to really bring environmental issues to the forefront of the minds of his external advisers. With $1bn (£510m) worth of carbon funds under management, and with the figure growing, expect firms to sit up and take notice.

Evans became Constellation Energy’s first European lawyer in March 2006, along with senior counsel Barry Saraullo. He heads the legal team at a business that trades carbon, as well as coal and gas, in the UK, and is moving into trading coal and gas in Continental Europe as well. Previously, as Enron’s top European lawyer, Evans learnt a few innovations at the cutting edge, standing Constellation in good stead to benefit from his expertise. With Saraullo, who learnt his trade advising Western Australia mining companines before moving to Vinson & Elkins, the legal team has a solid base from which to grow.

Janaszek handles all of International Power’s trading work, including carbon, power and fuel, and reports directly to the company’s general counsel Stephen Ramsay. Janaszek is at the heart of the carbon trading operation for International Power, sitting directly with the business unit, and handles the company’s relationship with external trading counsel Hunton & Williams. Janaszek joined from Morgan Stanley and it is her responsibility to ensure that the company’s carbon allowance covers the power generated.