Clifford Chance LLP 'has no peers when it comes to the delivery of legal services', according to one client. Another describes 'an innovative team that focuses on protecting client's interest than following the norm'. The emerging markets team in London is active in deals in Africa, India, Latin America, Turkey, the CIS and the CEE region. Its expertise in in banking, project finance, commodity and trade finance, structured finance, securitisation and derivatives, and debt and equity capital markets transactions is market-leading. The lead partners are Leonard Cleland, who focuses on work in the CIS, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and infrastructure finance partner Simon Williams. Cleland advised the lenders on a €256m dual ECA-backed financing package for the development of three new hospitals in Angola. Energy and infrastructure partners Jeremy Connick, Kayode Oladipo (who is 'an exceptional lawyer whose knowledge of law and the industry is remarkable') and Olamide Oladosu are heavily involved in the Africa practice. Connick and Oladosu advised Genser Energy on a $425m financing to boost its operations in Ghana. Capital markets partner Deborah Zandstra acted for The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in securing an Extended Fund Facility from the IMF. Senior associate Rebecca Shepherd in the global financial markets group also stands out for emerging markets transactions.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Clifford Chance has no peers when it comes to the delivery of legal services. I have worked with several law firms on various cross-border transactions including M&A, banking and finance, capital markets, project structured finance, and no law firm has come close to delivering the exceptional and unique service we receive when we work with CC. In addition to the above, they also have the most diverse team which tells me that CC is an an equal opportunity employer.’
‘I have worked with Kayode Oladipo on several transactions and he definitely stands out. Kayode is an exceptional lawyer, his knowledge of law and the industry is remarkable. In addition, he always goes the extra mile for his clients, Kayode is always available, whether it is to brainstorm or to go over the issues or reservations that the client may have, he gives his time and expertise, while patiently walking you through the various stages of the transaction.’
‘An innovative team that focuses on protecting client's interest than following the norm. Also very helpful in managing costs.’
'The most notable and impressive characteristic of the team at CC is their ability to find amicable solutions for both Lenders and Borrowers. Additionally, the always deliver on time.'
'Kayode Oladipo, is dependable, has an unparalleled understanding of the markets, and a strong ability to devise pragmatic and commercially reasoned solutions to legal issues. Kayode and his team are one that we depend on to deliver quality work and on time. Kayode's ability to find solutions that are amicable to both lenders and borrowers on the same issue is very impressive as is his dedication to deliver work on time even on extremely short notice. Kayode is our go-to counsel for complex and time-sensitive transactions.'

Key clients

AFC
Luminar Capital
EBRD
ICBC
KBC
Africell Holding Limited
Gemcorp Capital LLP
Standard Chartered Bank
Standard Bank
Morgan Stanley
Emirates NBD Capital
Samba Capital
Mashreqbank psc
Global investment banks

Work highlights

Advising a bidding consortium on the Mphanda Nkuwa Hydropower Project, a 1,500MW run-of-the-river hydroelectric facility proposed to be built on the Zambezi River, in Mozambique.
Advising the arrangers on a dual currency USD146.5 million dual currency blue loan to Barbados (guaranteed by IDB and TNC) and on blue bonds issued to finance USD73.25 million of the blue loan.
Advising the lenders on a EUR256m dual ECA-backed financing package for the development of three new hospitals in Angola to bolster healthcare provision and critical infrastructure.