Clifford Chance LLP boasts an active private fund offering and is a top choice for sponsor-side clients. The practice is particularly well known for its expertise in infrastructure debt and real estate debt funds. Beyond these capabilities, the team regularly advises on well-established fund types such as direct lending and innovative products such as long-term private equity. Practice head Alexandra Davidson is well-versed in both structuring funds as well as secondaries transactions, including GP-led continuation funds. Gerard Saviola handles high-value fundraisings across a breadth of equity and credit strategies. Alexander Chester has a niche in assisting funds that focus on emerging and disruptive technologies, while LP-led secondary portfolio sales make up a significant part of Jonathan Bray‘s workload. Lily Marcel is singled out for her depth of knowledge on fund-related sustainable finance and ESG issues. Vishal Mashru has carved out a niche in structuring sustainability-focused private equity funds.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team that works on our matters is a very well-oiled machine, delivering quality advice efficiently and effectively. As far as our funds work is concerned, there is not much that they have not seen before; the team has both excellent legal knowledge and know-how, as well as good insights into market practice and trends. They have a 'can-do' approach and are solutions-driven.’
‘Gerard Saviola leads and manages the team that works for us expertly. He is a great mentor to the team. The whole team are a pleasure to work with.’
‘Clifford Chance's private funds team excels at handling complex matters across different countries while staying responsive to client needs. What sets them apart is their ability to think ahead and spot potential problems before they happen.’
‘Lily Marcel stands out because they give practical business advice, not just legal theory. She takes time to understand what we're actually trying to achieve. The partners are accessible and responsive, and I value their straight-talking approach; they give clear advice and are willing to go the extra mile.’
‘The leadership team, Gerard Saviola and Lily Marcel are extremely effective practitioners who are skilled negotiators, collaborative and communicate well with clients and opposing counsel. There is a clear sense from a client perspective that they also create and foster a sensible, highly functioning team of lawyers around them.’
'Jonathan Bray is great both on the "into the technicals" and "above the fray relationship" basis.'
'Strong team, great market and technical knowledge, good depth and ability to leverage their network.'
Work highlights
Advised Bridgepoint on the establishment of Bridgepoint Development Capital V – one of the fastest (and largest) European mid-market private equity funds closed this year. This fund has been significantly over-subscribed and went from launch to final investor closing within c. 6 months with EUR 2.7 bn raised.
Advising Five Arrows in relation to funds across their private equity and credit verticals, including Five Arrows Growth Partners II and Five Arrows Debt Partners IV.
Advising Climate Asset Management on multiple sustainable investment products including Carbon Nature Fund and Nature-Based Carbon Fund.
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
Alexandra Davidson
Other key lawyers
Gerard Saviola; Alexander Chester; Jonathan Bray; Lily Marcel; Vishal Mashru