Clifford Chance has a longstanding presence in Latin America energy and infrastructure transactions. The Latin America team represents an impressive array of multinationals, Latin American corporates and financial investors. Recent growth has centred on the launch of the firm’s Houston office, which has brought it a deeper connection to the Mexico market in particular. Moreover, the firm’s extensive international coverage brings it Latin America-related transactions from all corners of the globe, including several deals involving Asian and Middle Eastern acquirers and investors. Covering a broad range of industries, the firm continues to develop its standing in fintech deals, including venture capital fundraisings, particularly in Brazil. David Brinton is a senior corporate and M&A practitioner with a background in energy and infrastructure transactions in Latin America, including for a number of financial investors. New York and Sao Paulo-based Thais Garcia is now co-chair of the Latin America group and is also known for both strategic and financial investor transactions in the region. Carla Ruggero, promoted to the partnership in 2024, is a native Spanish speaker and admitted to practice in New York and Buenos Aires. Other key partners include Houston-based oil-and-gas specialist David Sweeney, Madrid’s Javier Amantegui and Sao Paulo managing partner Anthony Oldfield. Houston counsel Joshua Bernard is also experienced in Latin America deals. Named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The firm's M&A team is distinguished by its ability to handle complex, high-value transactions, offering innovative solutions tailored to its clients' needs. Their exhaustive knowledge of the market, both locally and internationally, allows them to anticipate trends and risks, ensuring comprehensive, high-quality advice at every stage of the process.’
- ‘The corporate team at Clifford Chance is extraordinary. They have extensive knowledge in structuring complex transactions, executing multi-jurisdictional due diligence processes, and managing legal teams in each jurisdiction to align them with the client's strategy. They also possess a broad vision in contract negotiation.’
- ‘I would particularly like to highlight Carla Ruggero and Steven Fox (partners in NY and the UK) and Olivia Higgs (an associate in the UK). We recently closed a transaction with them where they demonstrated their expertise in the O&G industry and their knowledge of the region.’
- ‘The team is spectacular; they know Latin America very well and are very easy to work with. They are detail-oriented but with a great commercial sense. They are also very advanced in technology, which makes working with them very efficient.’
- ‘The individuals on the team have an extensive history in complex transactions and do not limit themselves to just reviewing contracts or identifying risks. I must highlight the proactivity and experience of Thais García and Carla Ruggero. Both have a comprehensive vision of the client's business and structure transactions to maximise benefits. I see both as a great asset to the team.’
- ‘Carla Ruggero, in particular, is an excellent individual. She is flawless on technical matters and is also practical. Her response time is both realistic and fast. It is important for me that they respond with agility but in a realistic manner, without it leading to immense strain on their teams just to deliver at extreme speeds.’
- ‘Thais Garcia and Carla Ruggero are excellent lawyers with great attention to detail and a strong commercial sense. They know exactly how to serve their Latin American clients and how to work with local counsel.’
- ‘They have a profound understanding of competition law from both an international and a local perspective. Another point is the team's multiculturalism, which makes working with them very pleasant.’
- ‘A complete team, with great reach, knowledge, and a readiness to take on large, multi-jurisdictional projects.’
- ‘Their strengths are their technical knowledge, personal qualities, devotion to service, attention to detail, ability to find solutions, efficiency, and the speed with which they attend to our requirements.’
Key clients
- Affinity Partners
- APA Corporation
- Fresenius
- Grenergy Renovables
- Iberdrola
- Neon Pagamentos ("Neon")
- RES Group (Renewable Energy Systems)
- State Grid International Development Limited (SGID)
Lawyers
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.
Practice head
Thais Garcia