Clifford Chance LLP has a longstanding reputation across a wide range of facilities, including subscription credit facilities, NAV facilities and hybrid facilities. The team’s diverse clientele encompasses both bank and non-bank lenders, the full spectrum of funds, as well as sponsors. Robert Lee is a seasoned practitioner with deep experience acting on the sponsor side for private equity, real estate, and private debt funds. A new addition to the team from Mayer Brown International LLP, Aimee Sharman, joined in February 2025 and is an expert in subscription credit facilities and more complex, bespoke fund finance solutions. Isabella Mashru is singled out for her expertise with large sponsors across the full gamut of asset classes. Richard Day draws on his leveraged experience to advise on structured fund financings. Matt Lilley, who also joined from Mayer Brown International LLP in February 2025, also comes recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Very proactive team with very valuable insights.’
‘I find the team very commercial, helpful and in tune with market practice and standards.’
‘I value Robert and Isabella because they know us and our business well. They are both very commercial whilst maintaining common sense. They are also a good reference point every time we negotiate terms with banks for what they are seeing in the market.’
‘Clifford Chance’s fund finance team stands out for its global integration, advising both lenders and sponsors across the full spectrum of fund finance products, including capital call, NAV-based, and hybrid facilities. Known for its commercial acumen, market insight, and seamless cross-border execution, the team combines deep legal expertise with innovation through legal tech, efficient delivery models, and a strong focus on collaboration and diversity—making it a top-tier choice for complex and bespoke fund finance transactions.’
‘Richard Day stands out as an exceptional practitioner within Clifford Chance’s market-leading fund finance team. Richard is widely respected for his strategic insight and calm command of complex transactions, consistently delivering commercially astute solutions that balance lender and sponsor interests. His ability to anticipate market shifts and tailor advice accordingly reflects the team’s broader strengths in innovation, cross-border coordination, and client service excellence.’
‘Great partner - excellent combination of sound legal advice mixed with commercial judgement and understanding of market norms.’
‘Personable/ fun to work with. Combined with the excellent service and consistent approach over many years makes them a very trusted advisor.’
'Approachable, smart and really good grasp of the entire transaction.'
'Detailed and efficient transaction management. Elite level control of the execution at every level.'
Key clients
- Permira
- ICG
- Nordea
- BC Partners
- NAB
- Bridgepoint
- State Street
- Rothschild & Co
- M&G
- Stirling Square
- Capital Dynamics
- Mercer
- Investec
- RBSi
- UOB
- EPIRIS
- Apis
- BGO
- DWS
- 5 Arrows
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.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Lynette Edwin
Practice head
Robert Lee; Isabella Mashru; Aimee Sharman
Other key lawyers
Matt Lilley