Clifford Chance > New York, United States > Firm Profile

Clifford Chance > The Legal 500 Rankings

Tax > Financial products Tier 1

Transport > Aviation and air travel: finance Tier 1

At Clifford Chance, New York’s Zarrar Sehgal spearheads a team of attorneys who ‘are exceptional in their depth of expertise, dedication, and ability to deliver innovative solutions in complex and challenging’ aviation matters. The practice acts for industry-leading investment entities, advising them on restructurings, aircraft portfolio management, investment vehicle structuring, and revolving credit facilities. A notable recent highlight was their advice to Deutsche Bank on the bidding process and eventual acquisition of $1.67bn of loans from another bank’s aircraft finance portfolio. Sehgal has a lot of experience with asset-backed security transactions whilst also working for banks, lendors, and lessors in various matters such as the acquisition of Castlelake Aviation by Avolon which is a deal involving $5bn worth of assets that is expected to be completed in 2025. Working alongside him, Emily Wicker has a strong pedigree in asset finance but is equipped to handle complex securitization transactions as well. John Howitt  is equipped to handle the full gamut of aviation finance matters ranging from restructurings and lease transactions to portfolio purchases and credit transactions. Rounding out the New York office, the dual-qualified Benjamin Fisher has a wealth of multi-jurisdictional financial experience, particularly debt financing.

Finance > Structured finance: derivatives and structured products Tier 2

Clifford Chance‘s derivatives team is praised for its ‘commercial and economic aptitude’, which covers the full array of esoteric ad conventional derivatives transactions, which includes note issuance programs, consumer recievables, repurchase facilities, ABCP programs, and others. The team also leverages broad regulatory expertise in the OTC derivatives market, including ISDA protocols, EMIR, MiFID2, and related cross-border compliance. The team is headed by its New York-based partners, including Gareth Old, who is sought after by financial companies, investors, investment managers, funds, and other clients for his repo transactions and derivatives expertise. Lee Askenazi is well-regarded for his experience advising investment funds in derivatives, swaps, and other structured products, and co-heads the team with Darren Littlejohn, who is experienced in OTC derivatives pertaining to loan hedging, equity, credit, repacks and forwards. Alistair Dunlop remains well-regarded for cross-border structured debt deals.

Finance > Structured finance: securitization Tier 2

Clifford Chance broad practice encompasses a diverse rapport of securitization expertise, including those pertaining to CLOs, RMBS, CMBS, ABS, and is noted as ‘great at seamlessly incorporating different areas of expertise within the firm’. Robert Villani is reputed for his experience in CLO transactions, and co-heads the team with Lee Askenazi, who is sought by  issuers, investors, seller and purchasers in a variety real estate-related securtisations, alongside ABS involving equity, whole and mezzanine loans. James Gouwar is particularly well-versed in tax components of ABS, CLO and REMIC transactions, areas that Paul Koppel  is also highly active in. Rebecca O’Brien is turned to by clients for her expertise in CLOs, CFOs, and broad asset class securitisation experience. Rebecca Pereira is a highly active member of the team, and is at the forefront of tax-related components of the team’s securitization. All lawyers mentioned are in New York.

Media, technology and telecoms > Outsourcing Tier 2

Clifford Chance‘s complex commercial transactions & outsourcing practice is led by Meighan O’Reardon, who focuses on tech and digital practice, with global financial services CCTO specialist James McPhillips and global head of CCTO Vipul Nishawala among the firm’s ‘smart, business-focused and results-oriented’ practitioners. They frequently tap into the firm’s global tech practice, advising Fortune 500 corporations and leading financial institutions. Clients praise the ‘seasoned legal veteran team with knowledge of technology-enabled services, including new and emerging tech’, and recognise the ‘strong depth of knowledge on all things sourcing’. Ash Masrani is sought after for her work on both  ITO and BPO deals, as well as HR outsourcing and cloud transition projects. All lawyers mentioned work between New York and Washington DC.

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings

With the New York-based trio of Andrew Epstein, Jason Myers, and Gary Brooks  leading the team, Clifford Chance routinely advises on the whole spectrum of cross-border IPO and securities law issues. Supporting both issuers and managers, the practice leverages the expertise of US-qualified lawyers based across European, Asian, and Middle Eastern markets, with Epstein primarily focusing on REITs and M&A transactions. Myers is knowledgeable in general corporate transactions and PIPEs, Brooks is an expert in debt restructuring, while Houston-based Trevor Lavelle specializes in liability management proceedings.

Finance > Capital markets: global offerings

Clifford Chance’s global capital markets practice is particularly well known for its expertise when it comes to Latin American and Caribbean debt offerings. Jonathan Zonis has considerable experience handling cross-border debt and equity offerings for underwriters as well as issuers in the banking, energy, manufacturing, real estate, and telecoms sectors, among others. He chairs the group alongside Hugo Triaca, whose varied practice spans high-yield, investment-grade, and hybrid securities offerings, as well as liability management transactions. Andrés Berry and Joyce Moore focus on Latin American transactions.

Finance > Capital markets: high-yield debt offerings

Spearheaded by the New York-based duo of Gary Brooks and Jonathan Zonis, Clifford Chance oversees high-profile offerings of step-up senior secured notes and high-yield novel notes issuances. The team showcases extensive cross-border capabilities, primarily with Latin America, Africa, and Europe, frequently representing both issuers and underwriters. Brooks has vast insight into securities offerings, Zonis is well versed in public and private transactions in equity and debt offerings, while Trevor Lavelle mainly concentrates on IPOs. Andrew Epstein is a corporate finance expert, and both Hugo Triaca and Jason Ewart are also cited as key practice members.

Finance > Fintech Tier 3

Finance > Project finance Tier 3

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.

Investment fund formation and management > Private equity funds (including venture capital) Tier 3

As well as GP-led restructurings and secondary transactions, and a strength in ongoing fundraises for credit funds and large asset managers, Clifford Chance has a strong real estate funds offering. This, in addition to the group’s strength in credit funds matters, such as acquisitions and strategic advice, leaves the group well placed to offer real estate debt funds advice, not only domestically but also globally due to a strong cross-border offering. Secondaries transactions are another area of strength for the firm. Michael Sabin and Clifford Cone head up the team and are also key team members who are well supported by Daniel Drabkin, who is key for the group’s secondary transactions mandates. The group is also proficient in advising on complex multi-strategy funds. Richard Kruger is another key name in the team. All named practitioners are New-York based.

Real estate > Real estate investment trusts (REITs) Tier 3

Clifford Chance‘s REIT offering, praised for its ‘long-term focus representing REITs’, sits within the wider global financial markets practice and is led by finance experts Andrew Epstein, Jason Myers, and Kathleen Werner. Epstein is well-versed in capital markets transactions, assisting clients with equity and debt offerings. Meyers has broad experience with both listed and non-listed REITs while Werner focuses on corporate transactions for public companies. The firm has had recent activity advising on REIT spin-offs and private offerings by non-traded REITs.  Jay Bernstein is highly reputed for his extensive expertise in capital raising and mergers and acquisitions. All lawyers mentioned are based in New York.

Tax > International tax Tier 3

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 4

The merger control practice at Clifford Chance handles a full range of contentious and noncontentious matters, from initial antitrust analysis to complex U.S. merger investigations and multi-jurisdictional merger clearance. The team’s sector expertise spans the technology, healthcare, and energy fields, with clients including Amazon.com, Adobe, and Unilever. Leigh Oliver heads the firm’s U.S. antitrust practice, based in Washington DC: also co-head of its global healthcare and life sciences sector group, Oliver is experienced advising clients in highly regulated sectors and specializes in antitrust matters from merger control to federal investigations. Sharis Pozen draws on experience within both the Department of Justice and FTC, as well as in-house, to advise clients across the technology, telecommunications, and energy sectors. For litigation arising out of merger control matters, William Lavery and Joseph Ostoyich are go-tos. Tim Cornell departed the team in May 2024.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 4

Clifford Chance has ‘one of the most trustworthy international arbitration practices in the US’, commended for providing ‘hands-on experience and comprehensive subject matter management’. The team is known for handling complex international disputes across the energy, infrastructure, and oil & gas industries, notably handling an impressive number of ICSID arbitrations. In New York, Robert Houck leads the ‘great team with a deep understanding of Latin America’, that recently represented an energy company in a high-value ICSID arbitration brought against Costa Rica. ‘Star’ José García Cueto is a ‘great partner who knows how to organize a team and deliver results’. Based in Washington DC, Cueto boasts extensive experience advising on disputes in the construction, energy, and infrastructure sectors. In the same office, Steve Nickelsburg is skilled at handling arbitrations in the healthcare and life sciences sector, while on the East Coast, Anthony Candido represents financial institutions on complex commercial arbitrations, in New York.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 4

Energy > Renewable/alternative power Tier 4

Clifford Chance LLP’s energy and infrastructure team has experience advising on the regulatory and transactional aspects of energy projects related to renewable power generation facilities, energy storage, and hydrogen. The groups’s offering covers acquisitions, joint ventures, and portfolio sales, as well as regulatory compliance, power purchase and storage services agreement, and FERC applications. Heading up the department in Houston is Anthony Giustini  who is supported by financial markets expert Alexander Leff. Leff is noted for his deep knowledge of project financing and tax equity transactions, while Washington DC’s Marcia Hook specializes in commercial agreements, M&A, and capital markets deals. Other key practitioners include Houston-based David Stringer, Alexandra Wilde, and Jonathan Castelan.

Finance > Commercial lending > Advice to direct lenders/private credit Tier 4

With a global network, Clifford Chance’s broad caseload encompasses acquisition finance, investment-grade lending, and restructuring. The practice is headed by Andrew Young, who handles asset-based lending in the gaming, insurance, and technology sectors, while Jason Ewart is knowledgeable of unitranche solutions and is a key port of call for direct lenders and mezzanine funds. Daniel Winick is experienced in advising financial institutions on project and export financing transactions and associate Thomas McGowan is a strong choice for corporates, financial investors, and sponsors on debt finance transactions. McGowan is also versed in acquisition financings and NAV loans, while John McManmon is another key team member. All individuals mentioned are located in New York.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 4

Clifford Chance significantly expanded its financial restructuring group in 2024 with the hire of Brian Lohan and Maja Zerjal Fink from Arnold & Porter and Matthew Hinker from O’Melveny. Lohan has since become head of the team following the retirement of Jennifer DeMarco . The new group has extensive experience across corporate reorganizations, distressed situations, and bankruptcy and insolvency proceedings. The US team is well positioned for both domestic and cross-border matters with its ability to tap into the resources of the firm’s extensive global network. It is best known for creditor-side mandates, though also frequently represents debtors; it advises an array of international financial institutions and companies. Douglas Deutsch is another key partner with a background in cross-border restructurings, particularly those involving Latin America. Michelle McGreal provides further experience in major restructurings, notably in the aviation sector. All named individuals are based in New York.

International trade and national security > Customs, export controls and economic sanctions Tier 4

Real estate Tier 4

Clifford Chance‘s real estate team handles a range of matters throughout the sector, from complex structuring and joint venture transactions, acquisitions, and dispositions, to financings and leasings. Further, the firm has a depth of experience in advising real estate funds, representing clients on investment transactions; it also has an established REIT practice, strengthening its position to advise on REIT compliance and associated joint venture matters. The team is led by Ness Cohen, who is also managing partner of the firm’s New York office; he specializes in real estate private equity and joint venture work. Also in New York is Kris Ferranti, who has experience spanning real estate acquisitions, dispositions, and development projects. Further support in the New York office is provided by Jeanne Roig-Irwin, who specializes in real estate financings, often representing developers, banks, and funds.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 4

In New York, the multifaceted tax practice at Clifford Chance is very active in the investment, real estate, and energy sectors, representing companies like Blackrock and Onex. Paul Seraganian forms the bedrock of the practice and works predominantly for sponsors in developing tax structures for acquisitions and joint ventures for domestic and international deals. Other key figures in the team include Phillip Wagman, who works on M&A deals and securitization transactions, Michael Seaton, a REIT specialist, and Avrohom Gelber, who has demonstrated a strong track record in cross-border financing and structuring. Todd Lowther is also a key name.

Finance > Commercial lending: Advice to bank lenders Tier 5

Noted for its global network, Clifford Chance counts domestic and international banks, corporate borrowers, and funds on its client roster. The team is also particularly proficient in acquisition finance, investment grade lending, and restructuring. Andrew Young oversees the practice from New York and is particularly well-versed in debt finance transactions. Young is also experienced in hybrid capital, as well as private credit and leveraged finance matters. Jason Ewart assists direct lenders, private debt, and equity providers on unitranche solutions, while Daniel Winick is versed in export finance transactions. Heba Hazzaa is proficient at fund finance, Thomas McGowan handles private credit matters, and Andrés Berry is another key team member.

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: large deals ($1bn+) Tier 6

International trade and national security > CFIUS

Energy > Energy regulation: electric power

Latin America: International firms > Banking and finance Tier 1

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.

Latin America: International firms > Projects and energy Tier 1

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.

Latin America: International firms > Capital markets Tier 2

Clifford Chance has established Latin America-focused capital markets teams in New York and Sao Paulo. Responding to difficult market conditions, the firm has managed to achieve growth in both equity and debt engagements, including follow-on offerings, sovereign and quasi-sovereign issuances, securitisations and structured debt. It has continued to make an impression in sustainability-linked offerings. With its experienced capital markets group in Sao Paulo, it has sustained a solid deal flow, including offerings by financial institutions. Peru, Colombia and Panama are also key markets, while the firm has an impressive track record in Mexico deals. The team features a raft of native Spanish and Portuguese-speaking lawyers with New York, English and Spanish law qualifications. Jonathan Zonis is co-head of the Latin America practice and an experienced figure in capital markets offerings, including sovereign transactions. Hugo Triaca is another experienced partner with a primary focus on Latin America. Sao Paulo managing partner Anthony Oldfield and fellow Sao Paulo partner Patrick Jackson, along with counsel Anja Pfleger Andrade, provide specialist expertise and experience in Brazil equity and debt offerings. Mariana Estévez continues to make an impression having been made partner in 2023. Named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

Latin America: International firms > Corporate and M&A Tier 2

Clifford Chance targets Latin America corporate and M&A work, primarily through its New York and Sao Paulo offices. In addition, the launch of a Houston office in 2023 has enabled the firm to bolster its standing in energy transactions in Latin America, particularly in Mexico; Spanish speaking counsel Joshua Bernard joined the Houston team in January 2024 from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, bringing Latin America-specific expertise in M&A, joint-ventures and private equity transactions. Over recent years, the firm’s efforts have centred on South America, particularly energy and infrastructure transactions, and financial sponsor-led deals. It frequently advises consortiums on their bids for brownfield and greenfield projects. In Sao Paulo, the large team has developed a fine record in financial institutions M&A and fintech transactions, along with energy and infrastructure. The Sao Paulo office is also working with private capital investors in the distressed asset space. The firm’s connections in Asia and the Middle East have also brought it a number of M&A and investment engagements relating to Latin America. Sao Paulo managing partner Anthony Oldfield is a leading name in Brazil M&A and is a growing force in venture capital and fintech transactions in the jurisdiction. Splitting her time between Sao Paulo and New York, Thais Garcia (‘highly visible in LatAm and a stand-out M&A partner‘) has become a pivotal figure in the team, particularly in representing private equity and financial sponsors in their investments in energy and infrastructure assets. New York’s David Brinton remains a prominent figure in energy and infrastructure transactions, including financial sponsor-driven deals in Latin America. New York-based Carla Ruggero (dual-qualified in Argentina and New York) was promoted to the partnership in May 2024 and continues to advise a range of financial sponsors and Latin American corporates. Madrid based Javier Amantegui and Samir Azzouzi are also active in Latin America private equity transactions.

Australia > Transport: shipping