England - London • Projects, energy and natural resources

Clifford Chance LLP

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A ‘very strong team that covers almost any issue’, Clifford Chance LLP continues to be a dominant force in the infrastructure market, with a strong bench of advisers that have extensive experience in multi-source financings, cross-border projects, and operational and development issues on large-scale projects. The group is active on some of the largest infrastructure projects in the UK, including overseeing Network Rail’s telecommunications rollout. An impressive stream of international mandates has seen the team advise bank lenders on African projects such as major road constructions in Kenya and maritime infrastructure developments in Nigeria, while a number of financial institutions regularly turn to the firm for projects in the Middle East. Group head Michael Pearson is ’very well positioned in the market’ and has handled a number of significant PPP projects in Europe, with mandates including transport, healthcare and military projects. Clare Burgess‘ practice is largely concentrated on project financing and portfolio financings, while Praveen Jagadish   – who was promoted to partner last year – focuses on the financing and development of greenfield projects, regularly within the renewables and nuclear energy sectors. Both Alain Dodds and Caireen McCluskey have had impressive runs supporting a broad range of the group’s matters, garnering strong experience in PPP and PFI projects. The firm hired oil & gas specialist Craig Nethercott from Latham & Watkins in autumn 2023.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Very strong team that covers almost any issue.’

  • ‘Michael Pearson. Very well positioned in the market and open to any solution.’

  • ‘A strong team, particular at partner level, who offer commercial but considered advice. The team provides strong deal management, pulling together challenging positions to deliver on behalf of their clients. They are readily available to support and engaging to deal with.’

  • ‘John Wilkins is a standout partner who has excellent industry knowledge and handles complex matters with ease. He has a good handle on the wider business model and is willing to look at matters innovatively with a view to ensuring best for client outcomes.

  • 'Praveen Jagadish has stepped up to partnership well and takes on the role of client management effectively (supporting across the client experience, for example hosting our team days). '

Key clients

  • Network Rail
  • Iridium
  • Acciona
  • Greenlink Interconnector
  • Global Infrastructure Partners
  • AIP Management
  • Sizewell C

Work highlights

  • Acted as international legal adviser to the lender group to the Sotra Link Consortium, in relation to the design, build, financing maintenance and operation of the Rv555 Road Project, Norway.
  • Advising Network Rail on all aspects of an upgrade and futureproof of its telecom infrastructure network in conjunction with the private sector.
  • Advising on the development and financing of the new Sizewell C nuclear power station in the UK, the largest single asset infrastructure project in Europe.

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.

Clare Burgess

Clare Burgess

Hall of fameClifford Chance LLP

Head of London Energy and Infrastructure Group Clare Burgess is experienced in capital markets issuances, private placements and loans, with particular focus on the infrastructure and renewables sectors. Clare has advised on a wide range of infrastructure transactions including project bonds, private placements, corporate bonds and multi-source financings including secured corporate debt transactions (whole business securitisations). She acts for a broad range of market participants, including banks, institutional investors, multi-laterals, sponsors and corporates. She has particular experience advising on complex, credit-enhanced transactions, aggregator/portfolio financings, and restructurings/terminations. Clare advises on the issuance of green bonds, both corporate issuance, and renewables project and portfolio financings.

Leading Individuals

Michael Pearson

Michael Pearson

Clifford Chance LLP

Partner Michael Pearson advises public bodies, investors, developers and financiers on major infrastructure projects internationally. Michael is recognised as a leading lawyer in the infrastructure sector by international directories, including IFLR1000, Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Michael Pearson, Clare Burgess

Other key lawyers

Praveen Jagadish, Alain Dodds, Caireen McCluskey, John Wilkins