Clifford Chance significantly expanded its financial restructuring group in 2024 with the hire of Brian Lohan and Maja Zerjal Fink from Arnold & Porter and Matthew Hinker from O'Melveny. Lohan has since become head of the team following the retirement of Jennifer DeMarco . The new group has extensive experience across corporate reorganizations, distressed situations, and bankruptcy and insolvency proceedings. The US team is well positioned for both domestic and cross-border matters with its ability to tap into the resources of the firm’s extensive global network. It is best known for creditor-side mandates, though also frequently represents debtors; it advises an array of international financial institutions and companies. Douglas Deutsch is another key partner with a background in cross-border restructurings, particularly those involving Latin America. Michelle McGreal provides further experience in major restructurings, notably in the aviation sector. All named individuals are based in New York.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'I continue to be impressed by the cohesiveness of their team - you can tell that they are a group that gets along and enjoys working together.'
- 'The team is dedicated to providing solutions to client's issues.'
- 'The people are terrific, collaboration is top notch.'
- 'Eddie Frastai is excellent. He is rationale and reasonable and a terrific partner to work with.- Clifford Chance has an unwavering commitment to clients and handles complex, diverse legal challenges adeptly.'
- 'The firm leverages technology to enhance efficiency, setting them apart from other firms.'
- 'Clifford Chance's team is diverse and dependable.'
- 'Ness Cohen is a great lawyer, completely effective and has a natural business sense. He does a great job of understanding clients ambitions, goals and visions.'
- 'Kris Ferranti is remarkable for his blend of expertise and client-centric service.'
- 'The individuals at Clifford Chance US LLP are exceptional in their depth of expertise, dedication, and ability to deliver innovative solutions in complex and challenging restructuring matters. Their standout qualities include technical excellence, strong leadership, and an unwavering commitment to collaboration and client success.'
- 'Delivers tailored solutions to address specific needs.'
Key clients
- Bank of China
- Mizuho Bank
- BNPP
- Crédit Industriel et Commercial
- Gonher Music Center
- IronNet
- AT&T
- ITP Aero
- Barings
- ING Bank
Work highlights
Advised Mexico-based Gonher Music Center on its acquisition of storied US music retailer Sam Ash, which had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May 2024.
Represented IronNet in its out of court restructuring efforts and as special counsel to IronNet in its Chapter 11 case in the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.
Advised AerCap and a number of other lessors and aircraft finance parties in a cross-border debt restructuring of Azul airlines.
Lawyers
Practice head
Brian Lohan
Other key lawyers
Maja Zerjal Fink; Matthew Hinker; Douglas Deutsch; Michelle McGreal