ENDS Report has named Begonia Filgueira as one of the UK’s most influential lawyers in its 2026 Power List, recognising those who have made the greatest impact in the environmental sector over the past two years.
The ENDS Report Power List notes: “Having advised governments, consultancies and the UN, Filgueira is regarded as one of the most respected and innovative international environmental lawyers in the UK” and is “known both for her practice and for her wider contribution to policy debates.”
She is praised for “the unusual breadth of her career” having advised the government of Northern Ireland on environmental matters, served as a special adviser on governance to the United Nations Environment Programme and worked on global sustainability reporting engagements for major brands.
Colleagues say she brings “energy and strong people skills” to these roles, alongside a commercial instinct that allows her to translate complex sustainability regulation into practical advice for clients.
Filgueira is also a regular conference speaker and chair on issues including waste, water, climate change and contaminated land. Her work as co-chair of the UK Environmental Law Association’s Brexit taskforce included giving evidence to parliamentary select committees on changes to environmental law following the UK’s departure from the EU.
Begonia said: “I am truly humbled and thrilled to receive such a fantastic recognition from my peers. Thank you to all who nominated me and who I have worked with during my career. To be nominated with these other inspiring experts is truly awesome. Thank you also to ENDS Report.”
Across all categories, all of 2026’s successful nominees were proposed for nomination by their colleagues, clients and competitors, then selected by ENDS and a panel of experts. All shaped or influenced national or local environmental policy, enhanced the reputation of the environmental profession, delivered demonstrable and positive environmental improvements, and set a new benchmark for environmental professionalism.
Click here to access the ENDS Report Power List 2026 (subscription required).
