Clifford Chance LLP is a key advisor for major investment managers, global banks, and other financial institutions on their most significant real estate financing transactions. The firm’s real estate finance practice is built around two key pillars: complex, pan-European work and market-leading CMBS transactions. Practice head Barry O’Shea oversees the department and is a primary contact for complex, multi-jurisdictional refinancings. The firm’s renowned CMBS offering is jointly driven by Emma Matebalavu, a leading figure in European transactions, and Will Sutton, who handles commercial mortgage loans and CMBS deals for investment banks. In other asset classes, Laura Smallcombe is noted for her detail-oriented approach to logistics acquisitions, while Claire Fawcett is a go-to for the refinancing of build-to-rent properties. Andrew Carnegie further bolsters the team, leveraging his expertise in all deals involving assets and restructuring. Dmytro Orendarets departed from the firm in 2024, joining Ropes & Gray LLP.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Barry O'Shea, Emma Matebalavu and Andrew Carnegie are recommended.'
Key clients
- Ares Management
- Ark Data Centres
- BentallGreenOak
- Carlyle
- Cale Street Partners
- Castleforge Partners Limited
- Helical
- Fortress Investment Group
- Galaxy Data Centers
- Morgan Stanley
- Rothesay Life
- United Overseas Bank
- Société Générale
- Standard Chartered Bank
- Vantage Data Centers
Work highlights
Advised Vantage Data Centers, a leading global provider of hyperscale data center campuses, on the first Data Centre ABS in EMEA.
Advised Citibank, Royal Bank of Canada, Societe Generale (as mandated lead arrangers) on Blackstone Real Estate's acquisition of an 80% stake in a pan-European logistics portfolio owned by the Johannesburg-listed Burstone Group.
Advised Ares Management on the refinancing of the Langham Estates portfolio, which covers a large number of commercial real estate located in West End, London.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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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
Barry O'Shea
Other key lawyers
Emma Matebalavu; Will Sutton; Laura Smallcombe; Claire Fawcett; Andrew Carnegie