A&O Shearman‘s ESG team is praised for providing ’fantastic and thorough advice on a variety of topics’. These include risk management, transactional support and ESG diligence, and sustainable finance and investment. The group is additionally well placed to represent clients in contentious ESG work as evidenced by its representation of an alliance of small island states in climate change proceedings. The ‘extremely impressive’ Matthew Townsend heads up the team alongside the New York-based Ken Rivlin. Townsend’s broad expertise extends to supply chain risk management and international conventions on pollution. Lorraine Bayliss frequently brings her knowledge in international project finance to bear on mandates for the unit. Guled Yusuf has notable experience in handling arbitration connected to the energy, natural resources and infrastructure sectors.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The strength of the team is the quality of the lawyers in it and the commercial approach they take to the advice they give. This is also a team that has been operating in the environmental regulatory sphere for many years, and so its ESG offering is built on a very solid base.’
‘Matthew Townsend is extremely impressive, practical in his approach and very personable .’
‘The A&O team provides fantastic and thorough advice on a variety of topics, particularly CSRD and the EU Taxonomy. They are reliable and know our business well. I would strongly recommend this team to any business that needs practical advice on ESG topics.’
‘Matthew Townsend and Danae Wheeler stand out as out as being particularly helpful in advising us on ESG topics. We greatly value their contributions and insights, and look forward to working with them in the future.’
‘Depth of knowledge in environmental law, human rights litigation and across jurisdictions.’
‘Engagement and availability from Matthew Townsend; depth of knowledge in environmental law.’
‘Very responsive. Excellent practical and commercial advice. Take the time to get to know our business.’
‘Matt Townsend gives very clear, pragmatic advice.’
Key clients
- Nigeria LNG Limited
- ISDA
- NEOM Green Hydrogen Project
- Maersk McKinney Moller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping
- The Financiers to H2GS
- Xlinks
- Numerous Clients on global sustainability compliance (Dover Corporation, Seagate, Vitol and Imperial Brands plc)
Work highlights
Helped numerous clients with their global environmental and sustainability strategy, including the scope of reporting requirements under CSRD, which expands the scope of the current Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD) to cover more companies, topics, detail, and assurance requirements.
Acting on behalf of certain Small Island States in climate change proceedings before the United Nations’ International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Advising Xlinks on all aspects (other than French law matters) of the development and financing of the Xlinks Morocco-UK power project.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Danae Wheeler
Practice head
Matthew Townsend
Other key lawyers
Chris Andrew; Lorraine Bayliss; Andrew Denny; Tim Conduit; Greg Brown; Sarah Henchoz; Maeve Hanna; Guled Yusuf; Danae Wheeler