Chambers Review
A leader in the African projects and energy market, Clifford Chance demonstrates top-drawer capability in power, oil and gas, infrastructure and mining. The group is highly adept in supporting sponsors and lenders through the design, building, financing and operation of projects across the continent. Its lawyers possess notable expertise in novel IPP and power mandates across the full array of renewable energy areas, from hydropower to wind, solar and geothermal. The department is also frequently mandated on corporate matters, commercial agreements and international disputes, including significant matters handled on behalf of major mining houses. With key strengths in its Paris and London offices, the firm's clientele includes lenders, sponsors, development finance institutions and major global corporations.
Work Highlights
- Clifford Chance advised Moroccan client the OCP Group on its joint venture with the Government of Ethiopia for development of the Dire Dawa Industrial Park and on the development, structuring and maintenance of a gas-supplied ammonia unit.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Clifford Chance have been very good and client-oriented, focused on the material points and on understanding our business."
"Clifford Chance are never far from the top transactions; that is true for the Paris team and the London team. They are very, very visible across the spectrum - on project documents for lenders, export credit agencies - they are very visible across this space."
"The team are always very aware of market practice and precedent as well as of our business interests."
"Clifford Chance have been very good and client-oriented, focused on the material points and on understanding our business."
"Clifford Chance are never far from the top transactions; that is true for the Paris team and the London team. They are very, very visible across the spectrum - on project documents for lenders, export credit agencies - they are very visible across this space."
"The team are always very aware of market practice and precedent as well as of our business interests."
Notable Practitioners
Jeremy Connick is a leading lawyer in the African projects and energy space and is frequently instructed by a range of lenders and sponsors across infrastructure, energy and natural resources matters, with particular expertise in acquisition finance in the renewables space. He is based in London.
"Jeremy is keen to go into different markets and takes innovative approaches. He is solution-oriented, he knows that for things to happen it requires give and take, and he looks to facilitate client outcomes, bringing various parties together and reaching that consensus."
Co-head of the firm's francophone OHADA practice, Paris-based Delphine Siino Courtin is well regarded for her handling of project finance mandates. She is prominent within the renewables sector, with her recent work covering hydropower and solar photovoltaic projects, where she is frequently instructed by international and domestic lenders and sponsors.
Global head of energy and natural resources Russell Wells adeptly handles project finance mandates, with a noteworthy presence in the oil and gas sector. Operating out of London, he frequently represents both lenders and sponsors across the southern African regions.
"He was a consummate project manager but had a deep understanding of precedent and a problem-solving commercial ability alongside of that. He was the ideal sponsor's counsel."
Anthony Giustini acts as the firm's regional managing partner for Africa and is based in Paris. He is a pre-eminent figure across project development and financing, with a reputable profile for his work in the power and oil and gas sectors. Additionally he holds a wealth of experience representing international lenders.
"He has a very strong presence out of Paris, especially in francophone Africa - I have a lot of respect for him."