Clifford Chance fields a large Latin America banking and finance team, primarily based in New York, Washington DC, Houston, Madrid and Sao Paulo. The group is best known for its representation of development finance institutions (DFIs), MLAs and ECAs, along with its breadth of experience across the region, including Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Ecuador, Uruguay and Paraguay. The firm is also noted for its experience in debt restructuring and bankruptcy, particularly in the aviation sector; it advised parties in the recent Chapter 11 proceedings of Avianca, Aeromexico, Azul and LATAM airlines. ESG and sustainability-linked financings are another forte for the team. Washington DC-based Fabricio Longhin is a senior member of the Americas energy and infrastructure group, with an outstanding record in Latin America project finance and acquisition finance. Washington DC’s Jessica Springsteen is another key member of the practice, a Peruvian-American, she has a primary focus on Latin America energy and infrastructure finance. Hugo Triaca has extensive experience in Latin America bank lending and capital markets transactions. Daniel Winick is increasingly active in bank lending to the Brazil market, with Michelle McGreal playing a key role in restructurings in the wider Latin America region. Washington DC-based Alberto Haito is the key name at counsel level. Senior name Gianluca Bacchiocchi returned to the firm from Latham & Watkins LLP in March 2025. All named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise. Former counsel Andrés Berry left the firm in Octoer 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘It is a firm comprised of a team of partners and associates with extensive knowledge in their respective practice areas and unparalleled legal creativity. It is a team that seeks solutions to critical negotiation situations and demonstrates great persuasiveness.’
‘Despite being one of the leading US firms, they differentiate themselves by creating a genuine relationship with their clients and co-advisors, avoiding interference and always respecting the opinions of their counterparts. Andrés Berry excels at providing creative solutions and has great negotiating skills. He has extensive knowledge of financial matters that allows him to communicate efficiently with his clients. Fernando Liu has excellent management and team organisation skills; he always treats clients and counterparts with a friendly attitude. He has extensive knowledge of financial and corporate matters.'
'Highly responsive team. Attention to detail. The team is deal-oriented.'
'Emma Durrell, senior associate from London (UK), has stand out as a great counsel to both lenders and clients among several transactions. I could highly recommend her in all senses. Always available and looking forward to close transactions in favorable terms to all parties. She seems to be great working under pressure.'
Key clients
- Banco Santander
- Bancolombia
- Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior (Bladex)
- CAF (Corporacion Andina de Fomento)
- CIFI Services (CIFI)
- Citigroup Global Markets
- Corporación Multi Inversiones (CMI)
- Eletrobras
- FMO
- Grenergy
- Inter American Development Bank
- JP Morgan Securities
- Macquarie Bank
- Natixis
- Proparco
- Sabesp
- Scotiabank
- SierraCol
- SMBC
- US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)
Work highlights
Advised the lenders in connection with the $1.12bn multi-currency financing of the Troncales del Magdalena 1 and 2 toll road projects in Colombia.
Advised JP Morgan on a $1bn debt for nature transaction involving the Republic of El Salvador, US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the Environmental Investment Fund of El Salvador (FIAES) and ArtCap Strategies.
Advised the as lenders on a $500m secured loan to investment manager Grupo SURA.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Fabricio Longhin