Clifford Chance is lauded for its wealth of experience advising on the financing of major energy and infrastructure projects. The practice represents a wide range of stakeholders including domestic and international investors, commercial banks, export credit agencies, financial institutions, governmental bodies, as well as private equity firms and funds. Nikolaï Eatwell brings expertise in the energy sector, with a particular focus on Africa and Central Asia. Delphine Siino Courtin specialises in project finance across Africa and Europe, while Milica Zatezalo-Falatar advises on financing structures and documentation. Daniel Zerbib and Gauthier Martin left the firm in April 2026.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The capacity of Nikolai Eatwell to understand the requirement of different institutions, and find the ground where everyone can settle, along with Sohini Kar Purkayastha’s quick and detailed analysis even in difficult situations were the key to the success of our transaction. ’
- ‘A very good team, available and above all capable of finding a consensus in complicated situations.’
- ‘Very high quality and knowledgeable team, best in France at renewables project finance. Daniel Zerbib, Gauthier Martin, Nina Yoshida are all best in class.’
- ‘Market experts, really well connected and knowledgeable about the market. Powerful in negotiations and never flustered.’
- ‘The team is at the forefront of project and structured finance. It possesses proven expertise and in-depth knowledge of bankability standards and DFI practices. Furthermore, it demonstrates a genuine commitment to action and solutions to ensure continued progress. This proactive and engaged approach allows them to anticipate issues and is a real asset in negotiations. The service is impeccable, and this is a team you can rely on.’
- ‘Sohini Kar-Purkayastha is exceptional. In addition to her expertise in project finance and her brilliance, she is extremely pleasant to work with.’
Key clients
- International Financial Institutions
- African Development Bank
- Asian Development Bank
- Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank DEG
- EBRD
- EIB
- FMO
- Japan International Cooperation Agency
- IFC
- Inter-American Development Bank
- Inter-American Investment Corporation
- MIGA
- OPIC
- Proparco
- The Korea Development Bank
- Agence Française de Développement
- Africa Finance Corporation
- Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund
- FMO
- OEEB
Work highlights
Advised the Lenders, including local and international financial institutions JP Morgan, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, HSBC, KfW IPEX-Bank, Proparco, Deutsche Investitions – und Entwicklungsgesellschaft and Akbank, on the financing of Enerjisa Enerji Üretim A.Ş. for the amount of US$1.012bn
Advised the lenders as part of the acquisition by CVC DIF of 100% of TDF's Fibre business.
Advised the lenders on the financing the a 1.1GW Suez Wind Farm in Egypt.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Daniel Zerbib
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Other key lawyers
Chloé Desreumaux; Corinne Duvnjak; Nikolaï Eatwell; Sohini Kar-Purkayastha; David Préat; Delphine Siino Courtin; Richard Tomlinson; Milica Zatezalo-Falatar