Matthew Townsend

Partner

London

Matt is a Partner in, and global co-head of, the International Trade and Regulatory Group and advises extensively on a range of global trade and compliance issues including:

International trade law;
Sanctions and export controls;
Anti-bribery policies, due diligence and compliance;
Environmental, health and safety risks;
Chemicals and product regulation;
Climate change and carbon trading;
Nuclear regulation;
Transparency and disclosure requirements;
Business ethics and supply chain controls;
Human rights.

"He is unique because he's an environmental lawyer and an expert in that space, but he's also a top-notch corporate lawyer so he can understand the commercial tensions." Chambers UK 2020 (Environment)

Leading directories note: “If I was putting together a dream team, it would have him in it.” Chambers UK 2018

“Matthew Townsend is ‘very experienced, knowledgeable, and client and business-focused’.” Chambers Europe 2018

Expertise

Practices

Bribery and Corruption Investigations

Environmental, Climate and Regulatory Law

Sanctions, International Trade and Investment Compliance

Litigation, Arbitration and Investigations

Public International Law and Investment Disputes

Sectors

Consumer and Retail

Energy

Industrial and Manufacturing

Infrastructure and Transport

Life Sciences

Mining and Metals

Real Estate

Telecommunications, Media and Technology

Office

London

Allen & Overy LLP
One Bishops Square
London
E1 6AD

View office →

Qualifications

Professional

Admitted as solicitor, England and Wales, 1996

Admitted as solicitor, Ireland, 2018

Academic

BA (Hons), University of Birmingham, 1992

Diploma, Law, The College Of Law, York, 1993

Diploma, Legal Practice, The College Of Law, York, 1994

News & insights

Publications: 21 JULY 2021

The National Security and Investment Act (NSIA): a date is set

The UK’s strengthened national security regime will commence on 4 January 2022. From that date there will be a dramatic expansion of the UK Government’s ability to scrutinise investments. That will…

Publications: 14 JULY 2021

Webinar: International sanctions 2021 update

The panellists on this webinar discussed recent U.S., EU, UK and PRC sanctions developments, in particular in regards to China, Myanmar, Russia, Belarus and Iran.

Publications: 06 JULY 2021

Strategy for Financing the Transition to a Sustainable Economy published

The European Commission published its long-awaited Strategy for Financing the Transition to a Sustainable Economy (the Strategy) today.

Publications: 06 JULY 2021

Webinar: International Sanctions update

A&O is hosting an “International Sanctions update” webinar on Wednesday 14 July 2021.