Headed by Nigel Howorth, Clifford Chance LLP is well-versed in real estate acquisitions, financing, and joint ventures. Alis Pay is geared to handle forward development purchases and insolvent restructurings, while Ian Painter specialises in property development matters. Matt Taylor is experienced in data centre matters, Franc Peña is proficient in private equity real estate investments, and Alice Raine is knowledgeable in handling joint ventures. Sarah Thomas and Adrian Levy are other key team members.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The firm is unique in both capability and depth. The real estate team are knowledgeable, efficient, and deliver work in a timely manner.'
- ‘This group is unique not only for its market-leading expertise, but also for its commercial approach. It has a deep bench and is well-equipped to support the most complex transactions on the real estate side.’
- ‘The Clifford Chance pan-European real estate team is one of the best in the market for real estate investment transactions.’
- ‘The team are available, knowledgeable, and consistently demonstrate a high level of service.’
- 'CC has the best pan-European real estate team for real estate investment transactions.'
- 'Ian Painter cuts through the noise and gives succinct advice.'
- 'Ian Painter's team is the best legal firm I have ever used. They are friendly, knowledgeable, hard-working, but most importantly, commercial.'
- 'I would highlight Ian Painter as a stand-out partner. His depth of legal expertise across a variety of asset classes, together with a commercial approach, makes him a "go to" partner for real estate matters.'
Key clients
- Aldau Development
- Ares
- Apollo Global Management
- AshbyCapital
- AXA IM
- BentallGreenOak
- Blackstone
- Canary Wharf Group
- Castleforge
- CK Asset Holdings
- Coin Street Community Builders
- Corinthia Hotels
- GIC
- GLP
- Hammerson plc
- Helical plc
- Hondo Enterprises
- JP Morgan Asset Management
- KKR
- Legal & General
Work highlights
Advised Castleforge on its partnership with full-service data centre operator and advisory firm, Galaxy Data Centers, on the acquisition of Redhill Data Centre campus.
Advised Nuveen Real Estate on its EUR 540 million acquisition of a portfolio of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation assets and the establishment of a pan-European joint venture between Nuveen and Global Student Accommodation.
Advised KKR and Mirastar on a series of logistics acquisitions, including the acquisition of a best-in-class distribution centre located in Warrington.
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.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
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
Nigel Howorth
Other key lawyers
Alis Pay; Ian Painter; Matt Taylor; Franc Peña; Alice Raine; Sarah Thomas; Adrian Levy