Banking & Finance Department

What the team is known for Significant finance practice sought out by high-calibre corporates, financial institutions and private equity sponsors in the leveraged and investment-grade markets. Well positioned to advise on the full range of financial instruments, from European covenant-lite structures to term loan B facilities. Additionally noted for its ability to advise lenders in EMEA on high-value transactions as well as its expertise assisting US-based clients. Enjoys a strong reputation for its expertise in the healthcare, technology, pharmaceuticals and retail sectors. Long established experts in the fund finance space.

Strengths Sources say: "Clifford Chance is world class in all its practices and offers a high standard across its international network."

Clients say: "They are very strong technically, very experienced and have a deep bench."

Another client reports: "I rate them as the very best at what they do on the financing side. They have absolute market-leading technical knowledge and deal experience in multi-creditor financings."

Work highlights Acted for the mandated lead arrangers on the financing for the £1.9 billion take-private by TDR Capital of BCA Marketplace.

Notable practitioners

Charles Cochrane acts for both borrower and lender-side clients on complex domestic and cross-border financings. His work includes everything from M&A financing to leveraged and debt restructuring matters.
"Charlie is a really good lawyer - he is very knowledgeable, widely engaged in the law and extremely bright." "He is pragmatic and user-friendly - someone you can rely on to get things done."

David Robson is noted for his experience advising lenders across the financing space. He is particularly adept at handling leveraged and M&A financings.
"David is relentless in finding solutions." "He gets to the point and the answer very quickly. He is able to translate complex issues in a very user-friendly way to a range of audiences."

Emma Folds has a respected corporate lending and debt restructuring practice. She is highlighted for her representation of banks and alternative capital providers.
"She's super bright, very thorough and excellent technically ." "Emma is one of the most organised and methodical lawyers I have ever known. She is all over transactions and also all over everything that goes with it. She is great at communicating with you at all stages of a deal and is really good at explaining things in a very simplistic format."

Jim MacHale is well regarded for his expert handling of leveraged finance and corporate loan matters. His practice include both domestic and cross-border mandates.
"Jim has got the most amazing client skills, as well as being very thorough, very hard-working and a really nice person to work with." "He was incredibly good, incredibly user-friendly and actively sought to iron out issues before they got to us."

Karen Hodson is regarded for her lender-side expertise. She is experienced in advising on matters including leveraged finance, structured finance and margin lending.
"She is an excellent operator." "She is very proficient and easy to do a transaction with."

London regional managing partner
Michael Bates is recognised as one of the foremost experts in infrastructure financing matters. He also comes highly recommended for his expertise when acting for corporate borrowers.
"He is a brilliant lawyer, his intellect and ability to come up with structures is outstanding." "He is a go-to lawyer in the infrastructure finance space."

Nicola Wherity centres her practice on advising lender-side clients on investment-grade and fund finance matters. She is regularly called upon by clients to advise on high-profile and complex matters.
"She is really excellent and very collaborative." "She was very knowledgeable, provided a high level of expertise and was extremely supportive." "Nicola is very knowledgeable in her field and always very service-minded - she always provides service above expectations."

Robert Lee is the global practice area leader for finance at the firm. His broad finance practice spans cross-border M&A, corporate lending and fund finance matters, among others.