Clifford Chance LLP > London, England > Firm Profile

Clifford Chance LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Corporate and commercial > Equity capital markets – mid-large cap Tier 1

Clifford Chance LLP is home to a multidisciplinary equity capital markets practice group with a deep bench of experts, covering IPOs, secondary offerings, rights issues and GDR issues. Vastly experienced acting for both banks and issuers, the team leverages a firm-wide international network to provide clients with corporate finance options available across various European and Middle East jurisdictions. A ‘senior statesman within the ECM sector’, Adrian Cartwright  co-leads the team and specialises on the issuance of shares and global depositary receipts in the international market. Fellow co-head Simon Thomas has extensive experience in IPOs, rights issues, global depositary receipts and equity placings, including those in emerging markets. Christopher Roe is a key name to note for the full-range of UK equity capital markets transactions. The highly regarded equity capital markets lawyer John Connolly retired in 2023.  

Corporate and commercial > EU and competition Tier 1

Well-regarded for its ability to offer clients ‘creative’ and ‘balanced legal solutions’, Clifford Chance LLP’s competition group possesses the capabilities to advise on the full gamut of merger control filings and antitrust investigations. The team is particularly strong in the tech, fintech and pharma sectors and is regularly engaged by a number of household names including Amazon, Spotify and Epic Games. In recent months, the firm’s work for Amazon garnered prestigious recognition, earning them both ‘Matter of the Year’ and ‘Behavioural Matter of the Year’ for Europe at the Global Competition Review Awards. Leading the practice is Greg Olsen, who holds an excellent market reputation for his proficiency in both behavioural and merger control matters. He also serves as antitrust counsel to the Bank of England and European Central Bank Working Groups. Assisting Olsen is Alex Nourry, who covers all aspects of EU and UK competition law, advising on merger and foreign investment controls, cartels and market investigations. The ‘extremely talented and bright’ Nelson Jung is noted for his expertise in the technology, pharmaceutical and retail sectors.

Corporate and commercial > Financial services: contentious Tier 1

The offering at Clifford Chance LLP is singled out by clients as ‘quite simply the best in the market‘, and continues to act in a significant proportion of the most intricate and notable PRA and FCA investigations in the market. Carlos Conceicao ‘teams fierce intellect with highly effective communication skills‘, and has particular expertise in cases of market abuse. Dorian Drew and Oliver Pegden ‘can handle the most difficult and complex cases with aplomb.‘ Drew frequently handles enforcement actions brought by a range of domestic and international regulators, while Pegden is highly active in internal investigations and related High Court litigation. Other notable practitioners in the ‘superb team‘ include Kelwin Nicholls, whose latest highlights include leading one of the first investigations in the blockchain sector, and Samantha Ward, whose expertise lies in data-related risks.

Corporate and commercial > Financial services: non-contentious/regulatory Tier 1

The financial regulation team at Clifford Chance LLP covers the full spectrum of mandates, from Brexit-related regulatory issues and digital assets to new business generation matters, policy work and the regulatory aspects of large-scale M&A transactions, among others. Caroline Meinertz leads the team and advises global financial institutions on Brexit-related mandates, while Simon Crown focuses on funds and asset management and Caroline Dawson handles matters concerning investment banking, derivatives, market infrastructure and ESG. Monica Sah counts global financial institutions, disruptor blockchain providers and crypto services providers among her key roster of clients, and Paul Ellison’s practice caters to private equity firms. Other members of the team include Diego Ballon Ossio, who was promoted to partner in May 2023, and senior associates Laura Douglas and Stephanie Peacock. Now a consultant, Simon Gleeson remains a key contact in the group.

Corporate and commercial > M&A: Upper Mid-Market And Premium Deals, £750m+ Tier 1

The ‘unquestionably knowledgeable, experienced and technically capable’ corporate team at Clifford Chance LLP regularly acts on takeovers, acquisitions and divestments for FTSE 350 and Fortune 500 clients including leading global corporates, financial investors and banks. With an extensive international footprint and a diverse spread of clients across a range of industries including healthcare, media, telecoms, oil and gas and banking, the London team is jointly headed by Nigel Wellings and Melissa Fogarty, who regularly advises clients in sectors such as consumer goods and financial services. Dealmaker, ‘excellent relationship manager’ and ‘proactive communicator’ Katherine Moir is a key lawyer in the team, advising on complex and cross-border M&A while also offering the full range of corporate transactional and advisory support. David Pudge continues to act for a range of clients on M&A, corporate governance issues, stock exchange matters and public takeovers, while Steven Fox offers corporate finance expertise across public and private M&A, capital raisings and IPOs.  Co-head of the healthcare and life sciences team Gareth Camp assists international corporate clients with restructurings, public bids and disposals. Focusing on real assets and regulated industries and advising on demergers, investments, joint ventures and acquisitions is Nick Spurrell, while  James Bole offers takeover code expertise following a secondment to the Takeover Panel. Meanwhile, recent arrival from White & Case LLP, Dominic Ross, brings significant experience  advising corporates and financial institutions in matters relating to the healthcare, defence, consumer goods and retail industries.  Former partner Tim Lewis has left the firm and is now executive vice chair of the Arsenal board. Guy Norman has relocated to Saudi Arabia with the firm.

Corporate and commercial > Private equity: transactions – high-value deals (£250m+) Tier 1

Highly regarded for its ‘strength in depth, with partners and associates making us their top priority‘, Clifford Chance LLP‘s private equity practice works with many of the top buyout houses on big-ticket transactions, both domestically and internationally. In particular, the team is noted for the depth of its European offering, fielding PE specialists across the continent who regularly work in conjunction with the London office on multi-jurisdictional matters. The firm’s global PE head Jonny Myers ‘brings unrivalled experience as trusted adviser’ across both national and international work, most recently for clients engaged in technology and life sciences-focused deals. New London practice head Spencer Baylin is a key relationship partner for many of the firm’s most high-profile sponsor clients. Graham Phillips is well versed in energy and resources-oriented work, while Oliver Marcuse is roundly praised for his expertise in secondary transactions. Since joining from Mayer Brown International LLP in January 2022, Neil Evans has advised on multiple high-value acquisitions for various large sponsors. Shimin Lee, who regularly advises on some of the firm’s most consequential deals, is also recommended. Former London practice head Christopher Sullivan left the firm in December 2023.

Corporate and commercial > VAT and indirect tax Tier 1

Clifford Chance LLP‘s VAT and indirect tax team displays a ‘good depth of knowledge’ when handling domestic and cross-border matters in the insurance, financial services, energy, and healthcare sectors. Its broad offering encompasses the tax aspects of restructurings, M&A transactions, and a variety of contentious and non-contentious mandates. Real estate indirect tax expert David Saleh leads the practice, supported by director Simon Corzberg with expertise in the real estate, finance, insurance, energy, and the non-profit sectors and director Edward Page, who advises on the tax elements of M&A, joint ventures, and cross-border investments.

Dispute resolution > Banking litigation: investment and retail Tier 1

The practice at Clifford Chance LLP is ‘intellectual, outstanding, organisationally superb, and utterly client focused’, with expertise in complex financial products and cross-border matters. The practice consists of a specialist contentious regulatory team, as well as a dedicated in-house forensic accounting team. Many leading banks rely on the expertise of the team, including HSBC, Standard Chartered, and Morgan Stanley. Head of the team Ian Moulding is ‘hugely experienced’ and commended for commanding ‘the trust of senior decision makers in major institutions’. ‘Phenomenal hard worker’ Helen Carty leads the wider litigation practice at the firm, with experience in defending mis-selling claims and advising on derivatives transactions. Noted practitioners include ‘exceptionally capable’ Chris Yates, with experience litigating in both the London and Hong Kong market, along with ‘stand-out partners’ Kelwin Nicholls and Lindsay Bickerton. Matthew Newick acts as the global head of litigation, with vast experience in high-value disputes for the firm’s financial sector clients. At associate level, Ben Jasper, Philip Cox, Michael Gorrie, and Melissa Oppenheim are noted.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: premium Tier 1

At Clifford Chance LLP the team leverages its strength across sectors and jurisdictions to achieve success in a wide range of complex, often high-profile disputes. At international leadership level, Jeremy Kosky is a name to note, along with Julian Acratopulo, notably acting for Airbus in the highly-publicised Qatar Airway proceedings. In London, Helen Carty leads the litigation and dispute resolution team, with specialist knowledge of financial institutions, regulatory investigations, and disciplinary proceedings. Maxine Mossman is another recommended practitioner, as is Chris Yates and Jeremy Sandelson. James Cranston is ‘terrifically clever‘ and ‘massively tactically astute‘, and is noted along with ‘excellent solicitor‘ senior associate Christina Schuetz.

Dispute resolution > Public international law Tier 1

Fielding ‘one of the most highly regarded teams around for public international law‘, Clifford Chance LLP is particularly well known for complex investment treaty arbitrations. Recent highlights for the practice include a high-profile climate change case; advising on WTO rights, international sanctions, and customs and subsidies control issues; and assisting with sovereign immunity matters. Jessica Gladstone is a specialist in PIL claims, international trade and climate change; Rae Lindsay advises on business and human rights, as well as international organisations’ immunities; and investment treaty protection expert and former partner Audley Sheppard KC is a consultant as of May 2023. At director level, Joanne Neenan (a 2022 hire from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) advises on a range of PIL issues; and the senior associates to note are Anna Kirkpatrick, Jeremy Stewart, Carla Lewis, Christina Schuetz and Anne Collins.

Employment > Employee share schemes Tier 1

Praised for its ‘high quality business-focused advice’, Clifford Chance LLP's team is particularly active across high profile advisory work, such as the implementation of broad-based employee share plans across multiple jurisdictions, and corporate transactions involving remuneration issues. The group is also well placed to advise on ESG remuneration matters and technical issues raised by the switch to a more hybrid workforce. Sonia Gilbert leads the team; her broad practice includes advising on board level hires and terminations and employee retention in the context of corporate transactions. Andrew Patterson, who is praised for his ‘industry knowledge and insight’, is well versed in corporate governance and global share plans, while David Baxter frequently guides public and private companies through the design and implementation of share incentive plans.

Finance > Acquisition finance Tier 1

Drawing on 'huge market knowledge' and extensive international resources, Clifford Chance LLP remains a compelling proposition for creditors and debtors on big-ticket and complex leveraged and event-driven deals.  Although the firm has gained market traction among credit funds, its strong and longstanding commercial/investment bank relationships continue to inform much of the deal flow, both in the leveraged market, as well as on corporate-led M&A deals. Emma Folds is one of many experienced partners in the team who is conversant with debt structures throughout the capital structure, deploying this knowledge to good effect across a range of transactions, running the gamut from sponsor-driven leveraged deals, through to restructurings and corporate lending mandates. In addition, along with Michael Bates and Julia House, she is also well-versed at handling infrastructure finance transactions. Dual UK and Sweden-qualified partner Peter Dahlen has strong knowledge of leveraged finance transactions, utilising both bank and credit fund-sourced debt, and has a particular niche advising on Nordic deals. While lender work remains the lifeblood of the practice, under the guidance of Taner Hassan, the firm also continues to handle a considerable volume of significant private equity-led cross-border leveraged finance matters. Hassan co-heads the overarching banking and finance team alongside David Robson, whose lender-focused practice includes both leveraged and M&A financings.

Finance > Bank lending: investment grade debt and syndicated loans Tier 1

Led from London by David Robson and Taner Hassan and able to lean into the firm’s vast international resources, should the need arise, Clifford Chance LLP deploys ‘strong co-ordination skills to manage transactions’ for a compelling mix of high-profile banks and investment grade grade corporates. As well as advising on fairly commoditised investment grade syndicated lending provisions for large listed companies (where the firm is able to provide a cost-effective service by virtue of its mass ranks of associates), the firm is also highly accomplished at structuring more complex deals for cross-over credits, as well as on corporate event-driven financings. Emma Folds has excellent credibility among lenders across a range of new money and refinancing transactions, including on large-scale cross-border jumbo finance facilities. Nicholas Kinnersley has a good appreciation of finance products throughout the capital structure and is a popular choice among large multinational corporates on their financing needs, from both corporate lending and event-driven perspectives. Matt Dunn, who rejoined the firm in September 2023 from Arthur Cox, is now the key relationship partner for the Loan Market Association (LMA) following the recent retirement of Nicola Wherity.

Finance > Corporate restructuring & insolvency Tier 1

Tapping into a ‘breadth of experience and market leading know how’, Clifford Chance LLP frequently has a seat at the table for key stakeholders in high-value and complex restructurings/insolvency, where it is noted for its ‘focus on providing commercial solutions’. Although the firm does handle some UK-focused mandates, its true sweet-spot lies in its ability to provide multi-disciplinary teams across offices on big-ticket international restructurings. Lender-led creditor work remains a core focus, an area that David Towers continues to excel on behalf of commercial banks and development finance institutions, as well as alternative lenders. The ‘responsive and approachable’ John MacLennan and Iain White, who ‘combines a can-do attitude with an impeccable client service’, are also well-regarded by financial institutions as creditors, although the scope of their work is much broader to also include alternative investors and debtor mandates. As well as her work on international restructurings (particularly those with a nexus to the Middle East), Melissa Coakley has also been at the forefront of a number of high-profile UK situations, including her work for embattled retailer Matalan on its high-profile recapitalisation. A ‘motivational leader‘, team head Philip Hertz ‘s ‘embrace of teamwork ensures the best solutions are devised’ for an eclectic client base that includes banks, funds and office holders.

Finance > Debt capital markets Tier 1

Clifford Chance LLP has 'excellent partners with depth of knowledge and experience' and clients remark that the firm has 'a strong team of associates and some very good trainees coming through'. Matthew Fairclough  is head of the firm's global financial markets practice, in which houses the debt capital markets group, and his practice typifies the partner team as it encompasses advice to issuers and underwriters on new issuance, debt programmes, convertible and exchangeable bonds, corporate hybrid capital and regulatory capital trades, and liability management. Andrew Coats specialises in advising financial institutions. Simon Sinclair assisted Hellenic Bank Public Company Limited with its €100m EMT programme. Global head of capital markets Michael Dakin has extensive experience advising private equity sponsors, and Paul Deakins assists issuers and underwriters with a broad range of deals. Deborah Zandstra, who leads the firm's sovereign debt advisory practice, is advising Sri Lanka in its bid for an Extended Fund Facility from the IMF and a restructuring of its debt. Kate Vyvyan advised the arranger and dealer on the establishment of the AXA Logistics Europe Fund €2bn EMTN programme. Clare Burgess handles  infrastructure, renewables and sustainability-related transactions including project bonds and private placements. Jill Concannon joined from White & Case LLP to add more experience in international securities offerings. US capital markets partner Johannes Juette recently moved to London from the Singapore office.

Finance > Derivatives and structured products Tier 1

Clifford Chance LLP has 'outstanding lawyers who never overpromise and underdeliver', and clients remark that 'in addition to their legal expertise, they are also quick to point out the impact that specific regulatory or legal developments may have'. The firm handles the full spectrum of instruments and asset classes, but it particularly well known for its knowledge of the synthetic securitisation market, and its understanding of regulatory matters. The 'incredibly constructive' Timothy Cleary leads the practice, which is known for 'strong market knowledge, regulatory expertise and commercial awareness'. Jessica Littlewood is a market-leading expert on synthetic CLOs. Andrew Coats handles repackaging programmes, derivatives, structured securities and retail-targeted securities offerings. Paget Dare Bryan  leads the derivatives group and is known for his knowledge of repackagings, credit and equity derivatives, total return swaps, and structured repo and securities lending. Anne Drakeford's work encompasses OTC fixed income, credit and equity based derivatives. Key partners Faizal Khan and Will Winterton frequently advise on bespoke equity-linked financing structures using derivatives, repo, securities lending and loan documentation frameworks. Up-and-coming partner Jeremy Walter is 'outstanding, a clear thinker who is able to think outside the box'.

Finance > Securitisation Tier 1

At Clifford Chance LLP 'the team is always a pleasure to work with, going above and beyond to support the client through transactions, and making themselves available at short notice'. The practice led by Maggie Zhao 'has deep knowledge and experience and is a go-to team for complex transactions requiring innovative solutions'. It is frequently called upon to handle market-first transactions across a host of asset classes, among them RMBS, covered bonds, consumer ABS, auto ABS and SME lending transactions. Head of the international structured debt group Kevin Ingram recently acted for Bank of Ireland in the £600m Temple Quay No.1 PLC, a static RMBS securitisation backed by a non-conforming portfolio of performing and reperforming mortgage loans. Key partner Christopher Walsh has  in-depth experience of structured debt transactions and capital market products. Emma Matebalavu is head of the firm's global financial markets practice and specialises in all types of mortgage finance. Simeon Radcliff stands out for multi-jurisdictional trade receivables transactions. Jessica Littlewood leads the European CLO practice, and is a key adviser to both managers and investors. Up-and-coming partners Adam Craig ( who 'has an ability to present ideas in an easily digestible way'), Will Sutton and Simi Arora-Lalani are all heavily involved in the firm's high-profile transactions.

Finance > Transport finance and leasing Tier 1

The 'experienced, knowledgeable and commercially-oriented' team at Clifford Chance LLP has 'great knowledge across all aspects of aviation finance and leasing' , ensuring that it is well-equipped to advise the firm's eclectic client mix of lessors, banks, funds and manufacturers. Because of the firm's bench strength in London and globally, as well as its ability to leverage broader overarching capital markets, banking, tax and restructuring practice area prowess, 'there is nothing they can’t tackle', and are often first-port of call for clients seeking advice on first-of-kind and novel transactions. 'Hugely  experienced' team head Oliver Hipperson 'understands the needs of the financiers', and is regularly instructed  by funders on highly structured and tax-driven mandates, including JOLCO structures. As well as his pure asset finance prowess, which includes expertise advising on ABS transactions, Ranbir Hunjan is also regularly engaged in broader transactional work in the aviation sector, including on M&A-related leasing matters, as well as helping to establish new leasing platforms for clients. Richard Evans 'is great at explaining technical legal issues, working out an acceptable solution for both sides', ensuring that he is a popular choice for creditors and debtors across a range of financing structures, including full and limited recourse operating lease financings, and tax-driven mandates. As well as his work for lessors on recovery efforts and sanctions compliance for aircraft leased to Russian airlines, Paul Carrington also heads up the firm's rail industry group. William Glaister recently retired.

Industry focus > Emerging markets Tier 1

Clifford Chance LLP 'has no peers when it comes to the delivery of legal services', according to one client. Another describes 'an innovative team that focuses on protecting client's interest than following the norm'. The emerging markets team in London is active in deals in Africa, India, Latin America, Turkey, the CIS and the CEE region. Its expertise in in banking, project finance, commodity and trade finance, structured finance, securitisation and derivatives, and debt and equity capital markets transactions is market-leading. The lead partners are Leonard Cleland, who focuses on work in the CIS, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and infrastructure finance partner Simon Williams. Cleland advised the lenders on a €256m dual ECA-backed financing package for the development of three new hospitals in Angola. Energy and infrastructure partners Jeremy Connick, Kayode Oladipo (who is 'an exceptional lawyer whose knowledge of law and the industry is remarkable') and Olamide Oladosu are heavily involved in the Africa practice. Connick and Oladosu advised Genser Energy on a $425m financing to boost its operations in Ghana. Capital markets partner Deborah Zandstra acted for The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in securing an Extended Fund Facility from the IMF. Senior associate Rebecca Shepherd in the global financial markets group also stands out for emerging markets transactions.

Industry focus > TMT Tier 1

Clifford Chance LLP caters to a broad range of clients across the TMT sector including Spotify, Huawei Technologies Co Ltd and Fujitsu. The practice incorporates expertise in M&A, tax, intellectual property and antitrust. André Duminy advises on compliance-related issues with experience in acting for start-ups. He co-heads the team with Jennifer Chimanga who specialises in M&A matters particularly in emerging markets. Simon Persoff works on issues such as outsourcing arrangements while Kate Scott and Samantha Ward handle litigation and contentious regulatory work. Zayed Al Jamil focuses on complex outsourcings, procurement agreements and data licensing.

Insurance > Insurance: corporate and regulatory Tier 1

Clifford Chance LLP deploys ‘a knowledgeable, commercial, pragmatic and dedicated team‘ that covers the full range of life, non-life, ILS, M&A, reinsurance, and other regulatory and transactional mandates for clients. The firm leverages a similar breadth in terms of its geographical footprint, with proven capabilities in handling complex cross-border M&A and restructures. The strengths of the team have been bolstered with the promotion to partner of Imogen Ainsworth, who works across insurance, asset, and wealth management, and James Cashier, who is experienced in cross-border M&A, restructures, and regulatory matters, in May 2022 and April 2023 respectively. The ‘very technically capable and utterly client-focused‘ Ashley Prebble heads the firm’s global insurance offering and also heads the work on financial institutions, working across the full regulatory and transactional offering of the firm. Cheng Li Yow is noted for her work in non-contentious reinsurance mandates and has a particular strength in ILS transactions and platforms where she has advised on a number of innovative mandates. Hilary Evenett lends her significant experience in insurance to the practice.

Investment fund formation and management > Fund finance Tier 1

Acting for lenders, investors and a wide variety of funds, the banking and finance team at Clifford Chance LLP is ‘available, proactive, responsive’ and has extensive experience in a diverse range of securitisations, hybrid financings and specialist financings including ESG, and sustainability linked financings. Leading the team is the well-regarded Andrew Husdan who is well-versed in advising sponsors and lenders on traditional capital call, bridge and hybrid financings, NAV lending and preferred equity structures. Richard Day specialises in leveraged buy-out financings and fund-level facilities and has dealt with subscription bridge finance, leveraged NAV facilities and hybrid financing. Noted as ‘standout,’ the highly experienced Robert Lee has recently acted on subscription lines, NAV facilities, hybrid facilities and private securitisations for funds. Associate Alex Hutcheson is well regarded by peers. Nicola Wherity is no longer at the firm.

Investment fund formation and management > Real estate funds Tier 1

The private funds group at Clifford Chance LLP is very active in the real estate space, acting for top domestic and international clients on all legal, tax and regulatory issues related to real estate investment funds. It is well placed to handle cross-border mandates by virtue of its large international network, and has a strong debt funds practice, which focuses on senior debt, mezzanine and other subordinated credit matters, among other areas. Gerard Saviola and Alexandra Davidson jointly head the team, with Saviola acting for institutional and boutique sponsors in Europe, Africa and developing markets. Alexander Chester advises on fund formation, secondary transactions, restructurings and co-investments, while Jonathan Bray is experienced in both closed-ended and open-ended private funds, club funds and secondaries. Lily Marcel is another key practitioner, who is recommended for real estate and sustainability-focused funds.

Private client > Contentious trusts and probate Tier 1

With Jeremy Kosky at the helm, Clifford Chance LLP ‘has an unparalleled level of experience in high value, complex and multi-jurisdictional trust disputes ranging from private client to private equity trust structures. It also has exceptional quality at all levels of seniority’. Kosky is someone who ‘wears his considerable intellect lightly but applies it in great measure to complex matters’. The practice has a vast array of experience in high-value and complex disputes involving multiple jurisdictions both onshore and offshore. In addition, it is skilled at handling many high profile and heavyweight claims relating to family trusts, inheritance battles and shareholders’ disputes involving family-owned companies. Maxine Mossman has extensive trust disputes experience both domestically and offshore. Senior associate, Nicole Buncher is regularly involved in significant disputes with particular expertise in onshore and offshore trust litigation. Laura Hasson, also a senior associate, is lauded for her work with a variety of clients including financial institutions, sovereign wealth funds, protectors and beneficiaries.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Infrastructure: M&A and acquisition financing Tier 1

Renewable energy and digital infrastructure mandates form the cornerstone of the practice at Clifford Chance LLP, with the firm acting for global investment managers on multi-billion dollar deals. The firm has demonstrable strength in all areas of corporate M&A and financing, including advising on innovative debt structures, counseling lenders on financing in relation to acquisitions, and guiding clients through financing the remaining stakes in brownfield infrastructure. The team regularly advises on wind development matters across the UK and Europe, as well as EV charging, telecoms, and fibre networks matters. Team head Michael Bates is particularly active on financing agreements involving fibre networks, while Charlotte Madden works closely with private equity firms and infrastructure funds on a variety of corporate deals, demonstrating significant expertise across a range of matters. Alex Dimsdale-Gil has significant experience in digital infrastructure acquisitions. Julia House  and Jonathan Dillon are both recommended.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Infrastructure: Project finance and development Tier 1

A ‘very strong team that covers almost any issue’, Clifford Chance LLP continues to be a dominant force in the infrastructure market, with a strong bench of advisers that have extensive experience in multi-source financings, cross-border projects, and operational and development issues on large-scale projects. The group is active on some of the largest infrastructure projects in the UK, including overseeing Network Rail’s telecommunications rollout. An impressive stream of international mandates has seen the team advise bank lenders on African projects such as major road constructions in Kenya and maritime infrastructure developments in Nigeria, while a number of financial institutions regularly turn to the firm for projects in the Middle East. Group head Michael Pearson is ‘very well positioned in the market’ and has handled a number of significant PPP projects in Europe, with mandates including transport, healthcare and military projects. Clare Burgess‘ practice is largely concentrated on project financing and portfolio financings, while Praveen Jagadish   – who was promoted to partner last year – focuses on the financing and development of greenfield projects, regularly within the renewables and nuclear energy sectors. Both Alain Dodds and Caireen McCluskey have had impressive runs supporting a broad range of the group’s matters, garnering strong experience in PPP and PFI projects. The firm hired oil & gas specialist Craig Nethercott from Latham & Watkins in autumn 2023.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Oil and gas Tier 1

Clifford Chance LLP is well known for its ‘excellent market knowledge, technical strength and sector expertise’ when it comes to oil and gas work, and is frequently instructed by oil majors, major independents and leading financial institutions on corporate, financing and dispute resolution matters. The team regularly advises sponsors and lenders on complex construction and procurement arrangements across oil and gas projects, alongside providing specialist advice on ESG issues. London-based practitioners Graham Phillips and Alex Panayides head the practice group together with Sydney’s Nadia Kalic. Phillips is the key name for M&A, joint ventures and private equity transactions in the sector, whilst Panayides chairs the firm’s global dispute resolution practice for the oil and gas, and construction sectors. Energy and resources sector head Russell Wells is praised for his ‘enormous experience and valuable insight on strategic points’; he handles high-end commercial, corporate and finance work in both the oil and gas sectors.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables) Tier 1

The power team at Clifford Chance LLP, noted as being ‘a pleasure to work with’, has a strong reputation for its capabilities in the full scope of complex power work, at both domestic and international levels. The team has a particular presence in the African market, which is Jeremy Connick‘s area of specialism. Partners include the firm’s global head of renewables and wind power expert James Pay , alongside global co-head of power Nicholas Hughes and global head of nuclear power John Wilkins, who is described as being ‘particularly effective in the energy sector’. A key example of the nature and scale of the team’s workload is its advising AXA IM Alts and Crédit Agricole Assurances on the acquisition of a 50% stake in the 1.3 GW Hornsea Two offshore wind farm in the UK. ‘Incredible leader and lawyer’ Clare Burgess heads up the Energy & Infrastructure team in London and has a particular focus on green finance initiatives, namely being work involving green bonds, green loans and current regulatory and legislative initiatives in this area.

Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 1

With a ‘great deal of real estate asset knowledge’, Clifford Chance LLP handles headquarter transactions for both occupiers and landlords based in the capital. The team is also reputed for its expertise in Canary Wharf headquarter projects, direct and indirect investment, joint ventures as well as urban regenerations. Head of the London real estate team, Nigel Howorth has notable strength in energy-related matters including power station developments. Adrian Levy is proficient in domestic and cross-border real estate corporate finance transactions, while Angela Kearns, Alis Pay and Mark Payne are geared to handle foreign investment mandates. Ian Painter enjoys a strong reputation in the capital’s development and healthcare markets and Matt Taylor is knowledgeable of landlord and tenant matters. Melissa Jones is entrusted by investors, occupiers and sovereign wealth funds, and Marianne Toghill heads the UK real estate construction team. Senior Associate Ben Redding joined the team in June 2022 from Slaughter and May and advises lenders on the real estate aspects of financing.

Real estate > Commercial property: development Tier 1

With a ‘great deal of real estate asset knowledge’, Clifford Chance LLP handles headquarter transactions for both occupiers and landlords based in the capital. The team is also reputed for its expertise in Canary Wharf headquarter projects, direct and indirect investment, joint ventures as well as urban regenerations. Head of the London real estate team, Nigel Howorth has notable strength in energy-related matters including power station developments. Adrian Levy is proficient in domestic and cross-border real estate corporate finance transactions, while Angela Kearns, Alis Pay and Mark Payne are geared to handle foreign investment mandates. Ian Painter enjoys a strong reputation in the capital’s development and healthcare markets and Matt Taylor is knowledgeable of landlord and tenant matters. Melissa Jones is entrusted by investors, occupiers and sovereign wealth funds, and Marianne Toghill heads the UK real estate construction team. Senior Associate Ben Redding joined the team in June 2022 from Slaughter and May and advises lenders on the real estate aspects of financing.

Real estate > Construction: non-contentious Tier 1

Offering comprehensive services across major construction sectors, including energy, mining, infrastructure, and real estate, Clifford Chance LLP serves a varied clientele from developers and funders to financial investors and contractors. The firm is carving a niche for itself in emerging sectors such as green hydrogen, LNG, carbon capture, and data centres. Under the leadership of Sandy Hall, the practice excels in advising clients on complex projects across major industry sectors, placing particular emphasis on energy transition and new technology initiatives. Depth is added to the group through Marianne Toghill‘s expertise in large-scale real estate and data centre developments, and Edward Bretherton‘s proficiency in handling complex construction projects, specifically those related to energy transition. David Metzger, the former team leader, continues to contribute his expansive knowledge, especially in the fields of renewables, nuclear energy, transport, and real estate development.

Real estate > Environment Tier 1

The team at Clifford Chance LLP is well-equipped to advise its international client base, which covers sectors including real estate, aviation and finance, on the array of regulatory environmental, health and safety, and climate change issues. Increasingly, a large portion of its workload is formed of ESG-related matters, namely advising corporations on considering and fulfilling reporting and due diligence requirements therein. Additionally, ably advises on major infrastructure and development projects, as well as on complex carbon trading work. Nigel Howorth heads up the team and has a strong reputation for his corporate and energy sector expertise. ‘Technically brilliant lawyer’ Adam Hedley, who specialises in EHS, carbon and climate change-related regulatory work, joined the team from Reed Smith LLP in December 2022. Senior associate Kirsty Souter is a noteworthy team member for her developing specialism in carbon trading and environmental reporting and disclosure matters.

Real estate > Property finance Tier 1

Highlighted for its ‘depth of the market knowledge, commercial acumen and wide range of experience’ Clifford Chance LLP‘s multifaceted team includes ‘very experienced lawyer’ Andrew Carnegie and practice head Barry O’Shea, ‘a firm favourite across the industry’, both of whom participate in complex cross border financings across Europe, loan portfolio sales, and restructurings. Emma Matebalavu ‘has tremendous market knowledge’ in loan origination for senior and mezzanine lenders. Laura Smallcombe and Claire Fawcett continue to be active in development finance and acquisition finance across a range of asset classes. For repo financings and CRE CLO, Will Sutton and director Dmytro Orendarets, who focuses on financings in sectors in the residential, student housing, offices and logistics sectors, are recommended.

Risk advisory > Corporate governance Tier 1

Clifford Chance LLP acts for top domestic and international banks and corporations on the full gamut of corporate governance issues, including ESG, regulatory, compliance, risk management, strategic boardroom issues and climate change matters. The team is jointly led by David Pudge and Luke Tolaini, with Pudge handling transaction-related issues and board-level matters, and Tolaini recommended for corporate crises and investigations, with a focus on the extractive, tech, pharmaceutical and finance sectors. Steven Fox is experienced in advising boards and general counsel on compliance and governance matters, while Richard Crosby advises on directors duties’, shareholder activism, AGMs and disclosures. Rae Lindsay is another key practitioner, who focuses on disputes, ESG and issues relating to human rights and Alanna Hunter, who was promoted to partner in May 2022, is another name for corporate governance, market abuse regulation and listing rule disclosures.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Fintech Tier 1

Clifford Chance LLP‘s far-reaching fintech practice spans advice on technology such as blockchain, artificial intelligence and insurtech, fintech litigation and M&A. The unit is also active across financial regulation, tax, IP and data privacy. Clients include financial institutions, tech-focused corporates, and fintech and insurtech disruptors.  Simon Crown, who co-leads the team, has a high level of experience relating to the impact of Brexit on payments businesses. Kate Scott completes the leadership team and is particularly strong in follow-on litigation from regulatory investigations. Monica Sah‘s wide-ranging portfolio of work extends to crypto asset regulation, while Caroline Meinertz has significant experience in the transaction services sector, and Simon Gleeson is frequently engaged by governments and regulators to help with the establishment of regulatory regimes. Diego Ballon Ossio and Laura Douglas are both well versed in financial services in the metaverse and Web3.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 1

The technology practice at Clifford Chance LLP is skilled in IT outsourcing and strategic contracting, in addition to handling investment and development work in relation to emerging technologies. In the regulatory arena, the team is currently advising leading industry players such as Comcast and Spotify on compliance with competition and antitrust matters. Co-head André Duminy focuses on commercial transactions, M&A and outsourcing arrangements, while Jennifer Chimanga acts on strategic inbound acquisitions and investments. Jonathan Kewley focuses on data, cybersecurity and AI issues, with support from Zayed Al Jamil.

Transport > Rail Tier 1

Paul Carrington heads the team at Clifford Chance LLP, which frequently works with rail infrastructure bodies, rail sector financiers, manufacturers and rail operators. Carrington specialises in financing, leasing and sales – he has extensive experience in structured finance and corporate restructuring work in the rail sector. The group often works with its first-rate construction and infrastructure teams on various complicated rail projects and construction agreements. It is also known for its skill at handling complex franchising matters and rolling stock procurements. Michael Pearson regularly works on a wide array of major rail projects, both in the UK and internationally. Ranbir Hunjan is another key figure who specialises in asset financing, leasing and banking in the transport sector. Senior associate Dominic Watts is an important member of the rail industry group, who works with operators, ROSCOs, manufacturers and funders on a regular basis.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax Tier 2

Clifford Chance LLP provides a full service tax offering, covering funds, finance, M&A, real estate, and contentious tax. Highly experienced team lead Chris Davies is an expert in securitisation and structured finance, and sits on a number of governmental work groups in these areas. David Harkness advises high profile domestic and international clients on a broad range of complex transactions and revolving disputes. David Saleh is the group head of real estate tax and indirect tax, while Richard Kalaher has experience in cross-border M&A and international private fund formation. Laura Underhill specialises in investment funds tax, Nicola Hemsley focuses on high profile M&A, joint ventures, and IPOs, and Jemma Dick covers a range of financing transactions.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: civil Tier 2

Dispute resolution > Competition litigation Tier 2

The practice at Clifford Chance LLP handles the full gamut of cartel investigations concerning abuse of dominance issues. Rated by clients as ‘one of the leading competition solicitors in the UK‘, Elizabeth Morony heads the practice, often defending claims concerning a variety of CMA investigations. ‘Astonishing‘ senior associate Ben Jasper frequently acts in appeals against CMA decisions; while Luke Tolaini exhibits ‘impeccable judgment‘ when handling cases relating to excessive pricing within the pharmaceutical industry. Known for her broad expertise in commercial litigation, Samantha Ward represents clients in allegations of unlawful collusion.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 2

Clifford Chance LLP‘s London commercial arbitration team is consistently sought out to act in high-stakes mandates. It is also well known for acting for global corporations and financial institutions in complex and large-value investment treaty arbitrations. The team includes consultant to the firm and renowned commercial arbitration and public international law specialist Audley Sheppard KC. Rob Lambert‘s track record includes arbitrations in Europe, Asia, the US, the Middle East, Africa and Australia; Alex Panayides routinely acts for international oil, construction and private equity companies; Marie Berard‘s workload incorporates construction, financial, energy, and oil and gas sector-related arbitrations; Sachin Trikha is particularly focused on breach of contract claims; and Jessica Gladstone‘s practice encompasses major international commercial and investment arbitrations. Director Anna Kirkpatrick, along with senior associates Christina Schuetz, Eraldo d’Atri and Sam Brown are also key team members.

Dispute resolution > Tax litigation and investigations Tier 2

Clifford Chance LLP has notable strength in international and cross border tax investigations, which draws a client list which includes a range of leading banks. The group is jointly led by Chris Davies, who was formerly the firm’s Global Head of Tax, and David Harkness, who offers over 30 years of experience in the area. David Saleh advises high profile clients on tax disputes, tax compliance, and tax controversies and also has a special focus on real estate tax.

Employment > Employers Tier 2

Clifford Chance LLP provides a stellar client list with ongoing employment law support, including senior staff exit negotiations, disciplinary matters, grievances and regulatory compliance. Its position as a global firm gives it the capability to advise clients on matters concerning overseas branches and subsidiaries. The employment practice is led by Alistair Woodland, a specialist in ESG investigations and grievances of a serious nature, who is also experienced in SMCR and data security work. A further key lawyer is Chinwe Odimba-Chapman, whose work includes advising on the employment aspects of M&A transactions as well as providing tribunal representation. Redundancies, restructuring and collective disputes expert Alastair Windass is another integral part of the practice.

Employment > Pensions (non-contentious) Tier 2

Clifford Chance LLP‘s advisory practice is particularly well-equipped to assist its clients with the pensions elements of cross-border transactional cases. The practice advises trustees, employers, and lender clients on a breadth of pensions issues, including scheme valuations, buy-in and buy-out transactions, GMP equalisations, and pension scheme closures. Hywel Robinson, former chair of the Association of Pension Lawyers, leads the team, and is especially experienced in cross-border membership and asset-pooling matters. Clare Hoxey is a name to note for de-risking matters, while Sarah McAleer is a key contact for trustee advisory work. Senior associates Rebecca Trapp and Robert Klepka are also recommended.

Finance > High yield Tier 2

Clifford Chance LLP intentionally focuses on high-quality and innovative transactions, rather than high-volume high yield work, and it has built up a strong track record in challenging deals, particularly those related to large M&A transactions. Practice head Michael Dakin is highly regarded for his advice to private equity sponsors, issuers and underwriters. He recently acted for NewDay Bondco Plc in a simultaneous exchange offer and offering of new notes, the tranches totalling £264m and $320m. Newly promoted partner Drew Rundus assisted OCI N.V. as guarantor of the obligations in connection with the issuance of municipal bonds, and on three tranches of new bonds with a total value of $838m. Jill Concannon, who joined from White & Case LLP in 2023, has a long track record in acting for sponsors and underwriters in international securities offerings. US securities law specialist John Connolly retired in 2023.

Industry focus > Hospitality and leisure Tier 2

The cross-practice hospitality group at Clifford Chance LLP consists of real estate sector specialists and is particularly experienced in complex and high-end hotel transactions for a range of industry participants including luxury brand operators, investors, developers, lenders and owners. Advising both domestic clients and foreign investors with the help of its international footprint, the team has recently been involved in numerous significant refinancing and portfolio hotel transactions. The team is co-headed by Alis Pay, a commercial real estate transaction heavyweight, who has extensive expertise in assisting investors and financiers with high-value hotel assets, and counsel Sarah Thomas, who has a broad commercial real estate practice, specialising in real estate joint ventures, acquisitions, disposals and hotel operating agreements. Also of note is Andrew Carnegie, head of the real estate finance team in London and relationship manager for Wells Fargo. Ian Painter is well regarded in the London office development market and regularly works with developers, insurers, property companies and sovereign wealth funds on inbound UK investments. Global financial markets expert Barry O’Shea advises borrowers and lenders on the financing of real estate in European transactions.

Industry focus > Life sciences and healthcare Tier 2

The ‘absolutely stellar‘ team at Clifford Chance LLP acts for a varied client list of medical device, healthcare, and biotech companies in matters concerning reimbursement, market access, and licensing. Practice co-head Stephen Reese handles both contentious and non-contentious IP issues, including the exploitation and enforcement of rights, and R&D agreements. Co-head Gareth Camp maintains a corporate focused practice, often assisting clients with public bids, joint ventures, and group restructurings. Noted by clients for his ‘formidable knowledge and skill set‘, Luke Tolaini primarily advises generics companies on excessive pricing investigations, in addition to appeals concerning CMA decisions, supported by ‘fantastic‘ senior associate Ben Jasper.

Insurance > Insurance litigation: for policyholders Tier 2

The insurance team at Clifford Chance LLP sits within the wider litigation and dispute resolution offering, and is headed by Philip Hill, an expert in complex claims for high profile clients, including issues arising from the Ukraine crisis, and Covid-19 losses. The team has experience acting for banks, major corporates, private equity firms, aircraft leasing companies, with a number of particularly complex aviation claims led by Julian Acratopulo. It has additional expertise regarding the oil, gas, energy and construction sectors, drawing on the strength of Christopher Ingham. Dorian Drew specialises in investigations and regulatory enforcement action; Kate Scott has notable experience acting for financial sector clients. The team has significant experience acting for major sporting clients regarding Covid-19 business interruption.

Investment fund formation and management > Private funds Tier 2

Clifford Chance LLP acts on behalf of a range of high profile funds and boasts a large secondary transactions offering. The firm houses a specialist private equity and infrastructure funds sub-practice, and is known for its strong reputation in that space. The team is jointly led by Alexandra Davidson who specialises in advising sponsors on the establishment, structuring and offering of private funds, and Gerard Saviola, who is an expert on developing markets. Lily Marcel has deep expertise in sustainability and infrastructure funds and is also central to the team, as are the global fund structuring and private debt focused Jonathan Bray, and blind-pool funds and secondary transactions specialist Alexander Chester. Senior associate Vishal Mashru is also highly recommended, advising on a range of areas, including clean energy funds and growth capital.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Mining and minerals Tier 2

Clifford Chance LLP fields a strong London-based mining and metals offering, which is well-versed in advising on large-scale cross-border M&A and financing transactions across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The group is well-supported by the regulatory, investigations and financial crime team to provide comprehensive compliance support, as well as possessing significant mining arbitration experience. As part of a global practice group, the team is jointly headed up by three practitioners; project finance partner James Pay, who is based in London, and focuses on sophisticated metals offtake, joint ventures, and logistics contracts in connection with M&A and mining finance transactions, as well as co-heads Simon Greenberg and Nicolas Cookson, based out of the Paris and Düsseldorf offices, respectively. Global co-head of international arbitration Audley Sheppard KC handles contentious matters in the space, whilst Sachin Trikha focuses on large scale international commercial arbitration matters.

Public sector > Administrative and public law Tier 2

Clifford Chance LLP is highly sought after by major public and private sector clients to advise on public law issues in relation to corporate transactions, strategic positioning and government relations challenges. The practice handles a steady stream of large-scale judicial reviews touching upon environmental, tax, real estate and human rights issues, with practice head and director Andrew Dean highly respected for his public law and procurement expertise. Senior associate Oliver Carroll is experienced in both contentious and non-contentious mandates, and is instructed by a roster of large corporate, financial services and governmental clients. Elizabeth Morony is also a key contact, especially in the field of judicial review.

Real estate > Commercial property: investment Tier 2

With a ‘great deal of real estate asset knowledge’, Clifford Chance LLP handles headquarter transactions for both occupiers and landlords based in the capital. The team is also reputed for its expertise in Canary Wharf headquarter projects, direct and indirect investment, joint ventures as well as urban regenerations. Head of the London real estate team, Nigel Howorth has notable strength in energy-related matters including power station developments. Adrian Levy is proficient in domestic and cross-border real estate corporate finance transactions, while Angela Kearns, Alis Pay and Mark Payne are geared to handle foreign investment mandates. Ian Painter enjoys a strong reputation in the capital’s development and healthcare markets and Matt Taylor is knowledgeable of landlord and tenant matters. Melissa Jones is entrusted by investors, occupiers and sovereign wealth funds, and Marianne Toghill heads the UK real estate construction team. Senior Associate Ben Redding joined the team in June 2022 from Slaughter and May and advises lenders on the real estate aspects of financing.

Risk advisory > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity Tier 2

Leveraging the firm’s broader transactional, contentious, and commercial capabilities, the data privacy and cybersecurity team at Clifford Chance LLP handles complex, cross-border work for a diverse group of clients spanning numerous sectors including financial services, consumer goods, and the automotive industry. The team is jointly headed by Jonathan Kewley and the ‘fiercely intelligent‘ Simon Persoff. Kewley has a broad practice with particular strength in data protection work for global corporations, while Persoff handles cybersecurity and banking secrecy mandates. On the contentious side, Samantha Ward represents financial institutions and large corporates in regulatory investigations, in addition to advising on cyber incident response planning, while Kate Scott handles civil claims as well as advising on risks related to emerging tech. At the associate level, Herbert Swaniker advises on data-related advisory and transactional matters with a focus on emerging tech including AI, fintech, and data ethics.

Risk advisory > Regulatory investigations and corporate crime (advice to corporates) Tier 2

Displaying a ‘range of experience and skills’, the corporate governance practice at Clifford Chance LLP acts on behalf of global FTSE companies and financial institutions on compliance, regulatory, and risk management investigation matters. The team is regularly involved in high-profile cross-border proceedings, with particular expertise advising on corporate compliance measures associated with securities laws and ESG risks, along with human rights infringements and whistleblowing incidents. David Pudge and Luke Tolaini head the group, with the former assisting clients with corporate governance and regulatory issues, whilst the latter handles financial crime and cyber breaches. Steven Fox has 30 years’ experience of advising boards and shareholders, and Richard Crosby focuses on corporate restructurings. Rae Lindsay and Roger Lease are experts on ESG-related matters, and Ellen Lake concentrates on white-collar crime proceedings.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 2

Clifford Chance LLP’s sports team is a go-to for a number of high-profile clients - including elite football clubs and sports investors - seeking assistance on both contentious and non-contentious matters, ranging from sensitive investigations to transactions concerning emerging technologies. Following his promotion to partner in April 2023, James Cranston continues to handle a wide-ranging workload, including NFT-based mandates, corporate disputes, and appeals against substance abuse allegations - acting for both athletes and governing bodies. Christopher Yates, head of the sports dispute team, advises on high profile arbitration, Commercial Court and Court of Appeal proceedings. Other names to note include Jamie Andew, who works with blue-chip corporate clients on sponsorships, crypto issues, financing and governance. Jeremy Kosky, Tim Lewis and Jennifer Chimanga are also recommended.

Corporate and commercial > Commercial contracts Tier 3

Clifford Chance LLP continues to be a strong player in the tech advisory and M&A sphere, with a track record on asset management outsourcing and advising on the commercial aspects that underpin large, complex tower deals. Telefonica’s O2 UK mobile merger with Liberty Global’s Virgin Media, and Cellnex Telecom’s acquisition of the tower assets of CK Hutchinson are among the firm-led deals which the commercial team have been engaged with, alongside impressive standalone matters which include advising an overseas government on its long term transformational e-invoicing programme, and counselling an international bank on its outsourcing of highly regulated financial services business processes. Leading the team is André Duminy, who is a prominent name for complex technology projects and outsourcing arrangements, and has been active on telecommunication matters. IP specialist Stephen Reese is a go-to for healthcare and life sciences clients, while Zayed Al Jamil, who joined from Norton Rose Fulbright in 2022, has an established reputation advising on emerging technologies and data licensing issues. Associate Jenni Polson is particularly knowledgeable on outsourcing mandates.

Corporate and commercial > EU and competition: trade, WTO anti-dumping and customs Tier 3

Clifford Chance LLP offers unique insight into the public international law aspects of international trade matters, advising States and corporate on WTO rights and obligations, as well as the negotiation of FTAs. The breadth of the practice is also epitomised by its expertise in domestic law aspects of international trade regulation, where the team acts for sovereign states and corporates on all aspects of economic sanctions, export controls and investment screening. Public international law expert Jessica Gladstone is particularly active in the trade and climate space, while Michael Lyons – who heads the UK and European sanctions team – is a trusted adviser to major financial institutions and corporates. Jeremy Stewart has deep experience handling international trade issues from a government perspective, while Carla Lewis regularly advises clients on their exposure to EU and UK sanctions risk.

Industry focus > Retail and consumer Tier 3

Clifford Chance LLP’s retail team benefits from the firm’s broader commercial and competition capabilities, advising clients on M&A, antitrust investigations, and risk management matters. Practice head David Pudge specialises in domestic and cross-border M&A, public takeovers, and corporate governance matters, acting for well-known retailers and investors into the sector. Robert Crothers advises UK-listed and international clients on equity issues and joint ventures, while Greg Olsen helms non-contentious competition work.

Real estate > Planning Tier 3

Clifford Chance LLP's planning team has a strong focus on complex and large-scale developments and regeneration schemes. The team is involved in large infrastructure projects and has continued to expand into the energy sector in 2022, reviewing a DCO application for a significant energy project. Practice head Nigel Howorth has a strong background in energy, as well as in major development and regeneration schemes. The group has also developed a niche expertise in construction above or adjacent to railway lines. In 2022, the team continued to expand its high-profile client roster, which includes Canary Wharf Group; senior associate Katie Kempthorne has played an active role in the team’s work for Canary Wharf Group.

Real estate > Social housing: finance Tier 3

The social housing finance team at Clifford Chance LLP, co-led by highly experienced senior associate Angela Shepherd, specialises in advising funders and investors within the sector, counting a number of high-profile banks and security trustees among its clients. The group advises on complex transactions, including loan facilities, property charging work, private placements, synthetic securitisations, and structuring and restructuring facilities. Practice co-head Paul Deakins leads on the team’s social housing bond and capital markets transactions. The firm has developed a niche expertise regarding new entrants to the sector, advising new debt funders and equity investors.

Real estate > Construction: contentious Tier 4

Clifford Chance LLP tackles large, complex, and high-value construction disputes, with expertise spanning key construction and infrastructure sectors including offshore and onshore wind, power, and oil and gas. The team is led by Alex Panayides, who brings a wealth of experience in litigation, arbitration, and ADR. Meanwhile, Sachin Trikha is a specialist in international commercial arbitration disputes in energy, infrastructure, and oil and gas sectors, with notable experience in projects across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 4

Clifford Chance LLP is experienced in handling property disputes at all levels of court. Key areas of expertise for the team are contract disputes, professional negligence, covenant disputes, insolvency and property finance-related litigation. The team is led by the 'outstanding' Ben Hatton, who specialises in development issues such as rent reviews, rights of light and professional negligence. Jane O’Leary specialises in insolvency disputes for real estate clients.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design Tier 4

Clifford Chance LLP’s diverse IP practice advises on a full suite of IP matters, from disputes to day-to-day support work. The practice is especially strong when acting for clients in the healthcare, life sciences, TMT and consumer goods sectors. The team is led by Stephen Reese, whose broad range of capabilities include advising clients on the protection, exploitation and enforcement of IP rights, as well as strengths in contentious matters, while Vanessa Marsland has notable expertise in handling brands, being particularly active in the technology, media and consumer goods. Don McCombie joined from Ashurst in June 2022, bolstering the practice with his experience in disputes relating to IP and technology.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: patents (contentious and non-contentious) Tier 5

Clifford Chance LLP’s broad offering encompasses an array of advisory, disputes and transactional work. Stephen Reese helms the ‘excellent and engaging’ practice with considerable experience advising clients on both contentious and non-contentious aspects as well as being particularly active in the healthcare and life sciences sectors, while Vanessa Marsland is well-versed in handling brand-related patent work. Don McCombie joined in June 2022 from Ashurst, bolstering the practice with expertise in handling IP disputes and transactions.

Angola > Foreign firms Tier 1

Clifford Chance LLP is adept at handling both inbound and outbound transactions across the oil and gas, construction, and transport sectors, with a clientele spanning financial institutions, telecom, and mining companies. Leonard Cleland excels at commodities, while Kayode Oladipo’s expertise lies in cross-border loan financing for infrastructure project development. The pair lead the Angola practice from London, ‘providing high-quality legal services’.

Ghana > Foreign firms Tier 1

Under the leadership of Olamide Oladosu and Kayode Oladipo, the excellent team at Clifford Chance LLP has many years of experience of working in Ghana. The group continues to advise international and local corporates, as well as financial institutions, on a broad range of transactions. Oladosu has an established track record in advising on landmark transactions in Africa, with a particular focus on handling LNG projects in the region, and is equally strong at handling corporate, commercial and financial matters for clients in the power and oil and gas sectors. Oladipo has extensive expertise in handling emerging markets cross-border loan financing matters. The client base includes construction companies, private equity funds, commercial and development banks, and energy sector entities.

Mozambique > Foreign law firms Tier 1

Clifford Chance LLP primarily handles inbound transactions for a diverse client base, including commercial and development banks, private equity funds, and public institutions, as well as industrial conglomerates, energy and oil and gas companies, and construction firms. Leading the Mozambique practice are Gibbs Johnson, a Dubai-based consultant, and Russell Wells, located in London. Johnson is an expert in energy and infrastructure project finance, particularly in Mozambique’s electricity sector, while Wells spearheads the firm’s global energy and resources sector group, bringing extensive experience in commercial, corporate, and finance matters within the oil and gas and power industries. Delphine Siino Courtin, stationed in Paris, is an expert in renewable energy and infrastructure, and is adept at representing lenders in Mozambican solar projects.

Singapore > Asset finance: foreign firms

Poland > Dispute resolution

The ‘great litigation team’ at Clifford Chance boasts a broad offering, encompassing representation in arbitration proceedings, commercial litigation before state courts, and support with public procurement cases. The group also handles construction, healthcare, and insurance disputes, as well as class actions, and it noted a recent rise in post-M&A and shareholder disputes. Its client bases includes private equity houses, financial institutions, and corporations. Bartosz Krużewski sits at the helm of the practice with expertise in both domestic and international litigation. Marcin Ciemiński is a name of note for regulatory mandates, while ‘outstanding advisor’ Adelina Prokop specialises in investment arbitration proceedings. Counsel Michał Drwal is another key member of the team.

Poland > Restructuring and insolvency

United Arab Emirates > Commercial, corporate and M&A

Clifford Chance has an impressive track record in big-ticket transactions in the region, often working with leading Middle Eastern investors and corporates in deals involving asset managers and private equity players. Healthcare, energy and infrastructure are just a few of the sectors the team has been active in, with the group frequently working with the firm's banking and finance, real estate, and funds teams on the region's most complex deals. Mohammed Al-Shukairy has handled major M&A deals for financial services and energy clients and Mike Taylor is a key point of contact for equity investments and joint ventures. Jason Mendens has expertise in capital raisings and structured finance transactions and Daud Khan has handled several recent healthcare and infrastructure deals. Deniz Tas is also noted and senior associate Rizwan Butt has shown notable activity across a broad range of matters. Daniel Boyle left the firm.

South Korea > International arbitration

Continuing to advise from its Hong Kong office, the team at Clifford Chance handles a wide range of multi-jurisdictional arbitrations relating to Korea, particularly in the oil and gas, and construction industries. Thomas Walsh in Singapore leads the Korean disputes practice, with expertise in post M&A, private equity and tech-related disputes. Paul Sandosham - managing partner of the firm's Singapore venture Cavenagh Law - specialises in energy, infrastructure and resources disputes for South East Asia, and Sachin Trikha, advising from the London office, is also recommended.