Department profile
Clifford Chance LLP

Investment Funds: Private Equity: Secondaries

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide


Clifford Chance LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Investment Funds: Private Equity: Secondaries - UK-wide

Band 3

Band 3


What the Team is Known For

With a dominant private funds group, Clifford Chance has expertise across the range of structures and asset classes. The team is well known for debt, real asset and private equity fund formation work, and especially for its market-leading real estate debt offering. The firm's global resources are fully utilised by the London team, which is able to offer advice to clients from around the world. It acts for an impressive list of clients, including high profile UK, European and global fund managers.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Regarding private equity, Clifford Chance advised Bridgepoint regarding the closure of the Bridgepoint Development Capital V fund. The fund closed after raising over EUR2.7 billion.

  • Regarding secondaries and credit funds, Clifford Chance assisted SMBC on the launch of its secondary private credit fund Kuon Capital European Direct Lending Partners I, SCSp.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Clifford Chance's ability to handle complex multijurisdictional deals seamlessly, sets them apart.

    Investment Funds: Private Equity: Secondaries respondentUK
  • They provide an excellent service and are always responsive.

    Investment Funds: Private Equity: Secondaries respondentUK
  • Clifford Chance's strengths are their breadth of expertise, track record, market presence and knowledge, depth of bench, commercial acumen and their ability to get the deal done.

    Investment Funds: Private Equity: Secondaries respondentUK
  • Clifford Chance have first-class capabilities to handle complex matters, drawing on their market-leading teams across every jurisdiction.

    Investment Funds: Private Equity: Secondaries respondentUK
  • They are very responsive, knowledgeable and efficient, with a very good understanding of our objectives. They are always available and precise.

    Investment Funds: Private Equity: Secondaries respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 2Alexandra Davidson
    Band 2Alexandra Davidson

    Alexandra Davidson

    Alexandra Davidson is valued for her knowledge and experience advising sponsor clients, and assists them with everything from the formation to the closure of a comprehensive range of private equity-style funds.

    • Alexandra Davidson is sharp, direct, available, incisive and is well known, with a strong reputation and credibility in the industry.

      Investment Funds: Private Equity: Secondaries respondentUK
    • Alexandra is one of best funds lawyers out there and is always quick to respond.

      Investment Funds: Private Equity: Secondaries respondentUK
    • Alexandra speaks with deep experience and is a problem-solver. She weighs up the pros and cons and always gives good solutions.

      Investment Funds: Private Equity: Secondaries respondentUK
  • Band 2Gerard Saviola
    Band 2Gerard Saviola

    Gerard Saviola

    Gerard Saviola is noted for his expertise in advising European and emerging market-focused asset managers on the formation of a range of funds. As well as buyout and infrastructure funds, he also regularly advises clients on the establishment of debt funds.
    • Gerard's market knowledge is extremely good. He's got years of experience. His communication style is easy to work with. He really does have a high degree of client focus.

      Investment Funds: Private Equity: Secondaries respondentUK
    • Gerard Saviola is top class. He is very responsive.

      Investment Funds: Private Equity: Secondaries respondentUK
    • Gerard is extremely good at making everyone feel that all is going to be okay. He is solution-oriented and gives extremely practical and commercial advice.

      Investment Funds: Private Equity: Secondaries respondentUK
  • Band 4Alexander Chester
    Band 4Alexander Chester

    Alexander Chester

    Alexander Chester is a specialist investment funds practitioner who advises GP-side clients on fund formation, restructurings and co-investments, covering a wide range of asset classes.

    • Alex Chester has been very strong for us. He is very solution-focused. He tries to help you find a sensible and pragmatic path forward on things.

      Investment Funds: Private Equity: Secondaries respondentUK
    • He has a commercial approach combined with an excellent knowledge of the applicable legal frameworks and is a pleasure to work with.

      Investment Funds: Private Equity: Secondaries respondentUK
    • Alex has consistently provided a very high level of service on our fund-related matters.

      Investment Funds: Private Equity: Secondaries respondentUK
  • Band 4Lily Marcel
    Band 4Lily Marcel

    Lily Marcel

    Lily Marcel advises clients on funds matters both domestically and internationally. She advises clients on a full range of matters across classes, including infrastructure, technology and energy.

    • Lily is incredibly approachable and technically brilliant. She stays heavily involved in the funds and has a calming presence.

      Investment Funds: Private Equity: Secondaries respondentUK
    • Lily's negotiation skills were excellent. She can operate like a really seasoned partner, with a lot of the experience and she knows the details.

      Investment Funds: Private Equity: Secondaries respondentUK
    • Lily's market knowledge, expertise and commercial acumen are second to none.

      Investment Funds: Private Equity: Secondaries respondentUK
    • Lily is calm and measured. She is extremely knowledgeable, really thoughtful in the way she provides her advice and always available when you need her.

      Investment Funds: Private Equity: Secondaries respondentUK
    • Lily provides us with clear advice tailored to our commercial context.

      Investment Funds: Private Equity: Secondaries respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at Clifford Chance LLP (5)

UK-wide

Clifford Chance LLP has rankings in the following guides

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