Clifford Chance LLP is highly regarded for being ‘exceptionally strong on governance and corporate advice for listed companies’. Its corporate governance offering includes compliance, regulatory and risk management mandates, as well as investigations. The practice is jointly headed by David Pudge, who excels in highly sensitive board-level corporate governance issues, and corporate crisis events expert Luke Tolaini. Further notable names in the practice include Steven Fox, who is extremely knowledgeable about public company-related law and regulation; Richard Crosby, who caters to large banks and other financial institutions; and Alanna Hunter, who is regularly called upon for advice on legal and regulatory requirements by boards and governance professionals.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team give total reassurance that all bases are covered - they have experience over many years and are a safe pair of hands.’
‘Calm, analytical, focused and totally supportive.’
‘As a client, you quickly recognise that the firm's deep consideration of governance in a business setting means that you are gaining access to commercial and practical advice borne out of market-leading expertise which has helped to shape the very development of governance in a business setting.’
‘David Pudge continues to be outstanding in his governance expertise and responsiveness in the delivery of practical advice.’
‘The team is exceptionally strong on governance and corporate advice for listed companies like ours. Steven Fox leads our relationship with Clifford Chance in this area. Steven is approachable and very responsive. He has invested a great deal of time over the past few years in getting to know our business intimately and the dynamics of our board. The team provides pragmatic advice and is sensitive to our needs. They are a pleasure to deal with.’
‘Very knowledgeable, commercial and pragmatic.’
‘Alanna Hunter and Kate Norgett are both approachable and provided spot-on advice whenever needed. It was clear, concise and contextualised against current market practice.’
'David Pudge is outstanding - the best I have come across. His approach and advice have a sophistication and thoughtfulness that make him stand out. But above all he always demonstrates great care for his clients and a desire to help the client get to a workable, commercial solution. Without fail, he goes the extra mile.'
Key clients
- Admiral
- Antofagasta
- Baltic Classifieds
- C&C Group
- Devro
- easyJet
- Entain
- Glencore
- Halfords
- Harbour Energy
- HSBC
- Informa
- Intermediate Capital Group
- Jupiter Fund Management
- PensionBee
- Pharos Energy
- THG
- Vanquis Banking Group (formerly Provident Financial)
- Unilever
- Wizz Air
Work highlights
- Advised HSBC Holdings plc on a full range of corporate governance and corporate advisory issues, including on the acquisition of Silicon Valley Bank UK Limited.
- Advised Devro plc on its recommended takeover by SARIA, including its engagement with its shareholders which ultimately led to the terms of the offer being subsequently increased ahead of Devro's shareholders voting to approve the transaction.
- Advised Unilever plc on its updated Climate Transition Action Plan (CTAP) and on its advisory shareholder vote on the CTAP at its AGM, as well as on its annual report and AGM generally.
Lawyers
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Practice head
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David Pudge, Luke Tolaini