The practice at A&O Shearman has a strong reputation for its abilities advising on the full gamut of matters across the environmental regulatory law space. Its workload consists of advising its noteworthy portfolio of clients on matters including renewables, regulatory law and corporate compliance. It regularly advises on emerging ESG requirements across various industry sectors, as well as on the financing and construction of large-scale environmental projects both domestically and internationally. Carbon avoidance and removal projects are another area of focus. Tom d’Ardenne, who has particular expertise in REACH and producer responsibility requirements, was promoted to partner in May 2023. Matthew Townsend is at the helm of the London offering in addition to his position as co-lead of the firm’s global environmental, climate and regulatory team. Sustainability specialist counsel Kelly Sporn departed to DLA Piper in October 2022.
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Key clients
- RMI
- Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA)
- International Finance Corporation
- World Bank
- Marks & Spencer plc
- Marks and Spencer (A2B) Limited
- Carlyle Group
- CheilJedang CJ Corporation
- Seagate Technology
- Equator Principles Association
- Uniper
- W. L. Gore & Associates
- European Bank for Development and Reconstruction (EBRD)
Work highlights
- Advised RMI (formerly Rocky Mountain Institute) and a group of leading steel industry lenders on the creation of the Sustainable STEEL Principles, the first climate-aligned finance agreement for the steel sector.
- Advised the European Bank for Development and Reconstruction on the development of a new ESG guide for the Prague Stock Exchange, helping companies to apply new ESG reporting requirements.
- Advised financiers on a project financing for the construction of an olefin complex in the Port of Antwerp, Belgium in what will be Europe’s largest investment in the chemical sector in a generation.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Matthew Townsend