Combining regulatory know-how and the ability to draw upon experts in complementary practices, Clifford Chance is a popular choice among sponsors and general partners across a broad swathe of their private fund work. As well as continuing to excel in structuring private equity and real estate funds, the team is increasingly active in the infrastructure and private debt spaces, with Emmanuel-Frédéric Henrion advising on fundraisings targeting those asset classes. Maren Stadler-Tjan has a strong reputation for advising on ESG and sustainability matters, and is also able to assist with continuation fund matters. Oliver Zwick has a ‘solutions-oriented mindset’ towards alternative fund structuring issues, as well as the trend towards the democratisation of private funds through the ELTIF structure. Christian Lennig is also recommended. Matthias Kerbusch joined the firm in January 2026. Kristof Meynaerts departed the firm in February 2026, while Emmanuel-Frédéric Henrion left in November 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Throughout the team we receive excellent support, especially from Oliver Zwick and Christian Lennig. Their insights and structuring expertise has been vital for us over the past years for increasing our business.'
- 'Oliver Zwick is super responsive and has a solutions-oriented mindset.'
Key clients
- Colesco
- PATRIZIA
- Mercer
- Niam AB
- Crédit Agricole
- Partners Group
- Golding Capital Partners
Work highlights
Advised Colesco on the launch of its direct lending platform and inaugural sub-fund, with APG as cornerstone investor and performance fees linked to sustainability KPIs.
Advised PATRIZIA in relation to the structuring and launch of its first European long-term investment fund under the ELTIF 2.0 regime.
Advised a global investment manager on a strategically complex and time-sensitive continuation fund transaction.
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.
Practice head
Maren Stadler-Tjan; Oliver Zwick
Other key lawyers
Peter Audesirk; Anne-Lise Vandevoir; Charlotte Reynders; Christian Lennig; Matthias Kerbusch