About

Michael Torrance

Michael first published Lex Sustineo in 2009 as a forum to discuss the Equator Principles and IFC Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability (IFC Performance Standards) and the overlapping and interrelated expectations of environmental and social regulation. Michael's interest in these topics comes from a passion for understanding transnational social governance - particularly the management of conflict arising from the pursuit of commercial development and sustainability. 

In 2010 Michael completed a master of laws degree at Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, publishing a thesis with the German Law Journal on the relationship between sustainability norms and legal norms.  Building on that work, in 2012 Michael edited and co-authored a guidebook on the IFC Performance Standards, published by Lexis Nexis. Michael has been extensively quoted and published on the topic of sustainability, particularly on the relationship between law and sustainability.

Michael is a lawyer with the international law firm Norton Rose, leading the development of a global advisory practice on sustainable banking and finance. He is currently on secondment to Sydney Australia, working with the firm's Asia Pacific Occupational Health, Safety and Security team.  His practice includes advising clients on the implementation of the Equator Principles and IFC Performance Standards. More information about his legal practice can be found here.  Michael can be contacted at michael.torrance@nortonrose.com.