Department profile
Clifford Chance LLP

Capital Markets: Securitization: CLOs

USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide

Share profile

Clifford Chance LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Capital Markets: Securitization: CLOs - USA - Nationwide

Band 2

What the Team is Known For
Clifford Chance LLP is a diverse practice with strength in the CLO space. It also demonstrates extensive knowledge of the mortgage market, with noted expertise in REMICs, RMBS and CMBS. The firm is capable of securitizing other traditional and novel assets and has strength in all aspects of the deal structures, including advising on the tax aspects of deals. Supported by offices in other jurisdictions, Clifford Chance is well positioned to handle a broad range of cross-border transactions.
View ranking table

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Clifford Chance advised UBS Asset Management Americas LLC, as portfolio manager, on the CLO refinancing by Madison Park Funding XXXVI of $706 million notes.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The CC team always impresses with their ability to promptly address any matter we throw at them, no matter how nuanced. They are business-minded and always look for the practical solution.

    Capital Markets: Securitization: CLOs respondentUSA

  • Clifford combines extensive experience in cross-border securitization transactions out of their New York and London offices with deep experience in emerging markets. They are strong and dedicated from the most senior to the most junior levels. They draw on a high level of specialist expertise to address discrete issues.

    Capital Markets: Securitization: CLOs respondentUSA

  • Clifford Chance has deep expertise across the full spectrum of CLO transactions and consistently demonstrates strong judgment on multifaceted structural and regulatory issues.

    Capital Markets: Securitization: CLOs respondentUSA

  • Clifford's service and attention to detail is outstanding. Their strategic advice on how to structure deals is always spot on. They are always on top of new and emerging trends in the industry.

    Capital Markets: Securitization: CLOs respondentUSA

  • Clifford Chance is responsive, creative and innovative. The team works on the most complex transactions, including cross-border. They cover all flavors of asset-based finance from plain vanilla to highly structured.

    Capital Markets: Securitization: CLOs respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • James Gouwar
    James Gouwar

    James Gouwar

    James Gouwar focuses his securitization practice on the tax requirements of transactions, with deal experience spanning a broad range of structures such as mortgage-backed securities and CLOs.

    • Jim is extremely knowledgeable in matters of tax expertise.

      Capital Markets: Securitization: CLOs respondentUSA

    • Jim knows the ins and outs of the tax rules.

      Capital Markets: Securitization: CLOs respondentUSA

    • Jim's excellent tax expertise and ability to translate deep transactional experience in a way that is accessible are huge assets to any securitization transaction.

      Capital Markets: Securitization: CLOs respondentUSA
    View profile
  • Lee Askenazi
    Lee Askenazi

    Lee Askenazi

    Lee Askenazi has a broad securitization practice in the mortgage market, regularly advising managers, and other deal parties, on RMBS and CMBS transactions.

    • Lee is highly recommended. He is great to work with and very knowledgeable.

      Capital Markets: Securitization: CLOs respondentUSA
    View profile
  • Robert A Villani
    Robert A Villani

    Robert A Villani

    Robert Villani is recognized for his noteworthy securitization practice, which sees him handle CLO transactions for a range of interested parties, and he is particularly active in the representation of asset managers.

    • He is very knowledgeable, meticulous and commercial.

      Capital Markets: Securitization: CLOs respondentUSA

    • Robert has an uncanny ability to negotiate the toughest deals in the shortest timelines. He is bright, commercial and understands the business side better than anyone.

      Capital Markets: Securitization: CLOs respondentUSA
    View profile
  • Rebecca O’Brien
    Rebecca O’Brien

    Rebecca O’Brien

    Rebecca O'Brien is a partner in Clifford Chance's New York office. She is recognized for her expertise advising on CLO transactions, with notable experience in both new issuances and refinancings.

    • Things run very smoothly with Rebecca at the helm and she's also someone who knows the deep nuances of CLO documentation.

      Capital Markets: Securitization: CLOs respondentUSA

    • Rebecca's proactive and client-focused approach, good judgment and deep knowledge of the CLO market and transaction process make her an excellent adviser in complex CLO transactions.

      Capital Markets: Securitization: CLOs respondentUSA

    • Rebecca is exceptional across all dimensions. Her client service is outstanding and she is always responsive, solutions-oriented and able to manage fast-moving CLO timelines with calm efficiency.

      Capital Markets: Securitization: CLOs respondentUSA

    • She is very knowledgeable, meticulous and commercial.

      Capital Markets: Securitization: CLOs respondentUSA

    • Rebecca is a thoughtful and trusted expert who is wonderful to work with and a huge asset to the firm.

      Capital Markets: Securitization: CLOs respondentUSA
    View profile

Ranked Individuals at Clifford Chance LLP (4)

USA - Nationwide

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership