Fabricio Longhin > Clifford Chance > Washington DC, United States > Lawyer Profile

Clifford Chance is at the forefront of development bank project financings in Latin America, including by both Americas-based and non-Americas-based development finance institutions (DFIs). The firm is also a leader in representing investment banks and is one of few that has an established record with commercial banks in the region. Moreover, it has a strong presence in export credit agency (ECA) financings. It also has a significant market share of loan financings, project bonds and hybrid financings in Colombia, Peru and Paraguay; while its growing presence in Chile saw the firm advise on a series of renewable energy and transmission projects. Smaller jurisdictions, such as Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras and Panama have also provided the Latin America team with a stream of engagements. Fabricio Longhin is co-head of the Latin America group and has an outstanding record in projects across the region, notably toll road projects in Colombia. Lori Ann Bean has a background in ECA, DFI and commercial lender financings in Latin America, especially in relation to wind and other renewable energy projects. New York partner Hugo Triaca is a key member of the Latin America team, covering capital markets and lender-driven financings in the energy and infrastructure fields. Madrid’s José Guardo, along with Jessica Springsteen, New York-based Mariana Estévez and counsel Catherine McCarthy are also senior members of the team. Counsels Alberto Haito and Patricio Abal are also increasingly visible. All named individuals are based in Washington DC unless stated otherwise. Since publication, New York-based Gianluca Bacchiocchi has rejoined the firm from Latham & Watkins LLP.

Clifford Chance LLP remains a dominant force in Latin America banking and finance, thanks in large part to its close connections to leading development finance institutions (DFIs), multilateral agencies (MLAs) and export credit agencies (ECAs). This is complemented by a lengthy list of commercial lender clients. Although it has successfully targeted the major markets of Mexico, Brazil, Colombia and Chile, the practice has also demonstrated a commitment to smaller jurisdictions such as Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. In addition to a plethora of new money financings, the firm has also achieved a strong position in debt restructurings and refinancings, including those in the aviation sector. It has achieved additional prominence in ESG and sustainability-linked financings. Fabricio Longhin is a partner in the Americas energy and infrastructure group, a top-rated practitioner in project financings throughout Latin America, including toll road financings in Colombia, along with other transport infrastructure and renewable energy financings in multiple jurisdictions; he is also noted for acquisition financings in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Jessica Springsteen, a Peruvian-American, is another key member of the team, recognised for her expertise in renewables and energy transition financings, including green hydrogen and battery storage projects. New York partner Hugo Triaca  is a pivotal member of the Latin America team, showcasing extensive expertise in debt financings and capital markets transactions. Counsel Alberto Haito is another senior member of the practice, often taking leading and key support roles in major energy and infrastructure financings, including those by DFIs, agencies and commercial lenders. Named individuals are based in Washington DC unless stated otherwise.

Leveraging its strong international presence, Clifford Chance demonstrates expertise in complex development banks and multisource project financings around the globe. Recently, the team has focused on various renewable energy projects, including wind, solar and geothermal technologies and their related storage. The practice maintains its advisory role to the US Department of Energy and the US International Development Finance Corporation, among other government agencies. Lori Ann Bean heads up the department and brings extensive experience in the financing of global infrastructure and energy projects. Fabricio Longhin and Jessica Springsteen are key contacts for developers, lenders, and sponsors, with a specific focus on Latin America and the United States. Peter Hughes further strengthens the team and frequently represents government departments in energy and infrastructure projects. Patricio Abal specializes in negotiating key project documents, including offtake and PPP agreements. New York-based Gianluca Bacchiocchi rejoined the firm from Latham & Watkins LLP in March 2025. All named attorneys are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.