A&O to hire partner Matthew Johnson in Perth to co-lead its Global Mining sector

Matthew will join as a partner in the Asia Pacific Corporate practice and co-lead the Global Mining sector at A&O. Matthew picks up the reins to allow adequate timing and transition following the planned retirement of Geoff Simpson from the partnership.

Matthew has a wealth of expertise advising on a wide range of domestic and cross-border transactional and corporate advisory matters, and is particularly experienced in the mining and resources sector. He advises clients active in clean energy/critical minerals, precious metals and iron ore. His depth of international experience is accompanied by expertise in Australian foreign investment policy and legislation.

Matthew is a member of the Foreign Investment Committee of the Law Council of Australia. He is recognised as a leading lawyer in Legal 500 for Corporate and M&A, and Natural resources (transactions and regulatory).

Matthew joins Allen & Overy from Hogan Lovells in Perth. His start date is not yet confirmed.

Commenting on the appointment, co-head of the firm’s Global Mining sector, Gerhard Rudolph, said: “Matthew has an outstanding reputation for advising clients in the mining sector. He will provide specialist mining capacity across Australia, Asia Pacific and globally allowing us to support our clients locally and across our global mining practice. As Perth continues to be a centre of excellence for mining, Matthew’s appointment maintains our senior presence in the Perth market. The biggest driver and opportunity in the sector at the moment lies in the green energy transition. The development of future-facing technologies and 2050 net zero pledges heralds new opportunities for mining companies to reposition their business models towards clean energy minerals. Matthew’s insights will be invaluable to our international clients.”

Victor Ho, head of the firm’s Asia Pacific Corporate practice, comments: “We are delighted to welcome Matthew to the team. His deep mining sector experience will benefit our clients throughout the Asia Pacific region. His appointment strengthens an already market leading regional team and further enhances our ability to assist clients on complex domestic Australian and cross-border M&A.”

For further information, please contact Emily O’Connor in Australia on APACmediarelations@allenovery.com