LAWYER PROFILE

Matthew Townsend

UK 2026

A&O Shearman

Ranked in 2 practice areas

Environment & Climate Change

London (Firms)

3 years ranked

Sanctions

UK-wide

2 years ranked

About

Provided by A&O Shearman

UK

Practice Areas

Matt is co-head of the International Environmental, Climate and Regulatory Law Group at Allen & Overy and one of the founders of the firm’s Global ESG Group. He also co-heads the International Trade Group. Matt advises on a wide range of regulatory and compliance matters including sustainability and ESG; climate transition programmes; decarbonisation; environmental risk management; product compliance and safety; carbon pricing/trading; corporate reporting and disclosure; governance and risk management; international trade law; sanctions and export controls. He has worked extensively with clients to develop compliance programmes across a broad range of regulatory and risk areas.

Matt has practised in environmental and climate law for almost 30 years and has been recognised as a leading practitioner in his field for many years. He is a regular commentator on new and emerging developments.

Matt works with major international clients across jurisdictions and in multiple sectors including financial services, energy, industrials, chemicals, technology and many more.

He is widely recognised as one of Europe’s leading regulatory compliance lawyers.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession

Environment & Climate Change - London (Firms)

Band 1

Individual Editorial

Matthew Townsend is global co-head of the environmental, climate and regulatory law practice at A&O Shearman. He is regarded as a go-to in the market for regulatory compliance matters and advice on the environmental aspects of M&A transactions. Townsend regularly advises clients in the energy sector and is experienced in matters concerning waste, climate change and carbon reporting.

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Sanctions - UK-wide

Band 3

Individual Editorial

Matthew Townsend is global co-head of A&O Shearman's international trade group and global co-head of environmental and sanctions. Townsend advises clients, including financial institutions, on sanctions and export controls matters.

Learn more about this team View ranking table

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Matthew shows great expertise and is able to deal with complex matters in a very pragmatic way.
Environment & Climate ChangeChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
Matthew is a real expert on the environment.
Environment & Climate ChangeChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
Matthew is reliable and supports on complex sanctions matters.
SanctionsChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
Matthew is good at fostering relationships and understands the clients' unique concerns.
SanctionsChambers Guide to the Legal Profession