Restructuring/Insolvency
Europe Guide 2024 : UK
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
020 7006 1000Chambers Review
Clifford Chance possesses a standout practice advising on sophisticated restructurings in the UK and abroad, and attracting instructions from a range of industry players, with a focus on creditor-side representation. The firm coordinates across its network to provide multidisciplinary and multi-jurisdictional teams where needed. Its lawyers advise on both contentious and non-contentious work, with noted strength handling cross-border recovery and protection of creditor claims. The team is particularly strong when advising on mandates within the retail sector.
Work Highlights
- Clifford Chance advised the largest creditor of JBF Group and its subsidiaries on its restructuring plan under the UAE Bankruptcy Code, including a debt-for-equity swap and the provision of new money facilities.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The lead partners have the ability to articulate complex legal matters in a way that relates to what it really means on the ground."
"CC has a leading team in all aspects of banking, finance and restructuring and insolvency. The integrated nature of their advice and the apparently seamless provision of advice across these teams is a differentiator."
"Clifford Chance's service levels and responsiveness are excellent - they always respond to questions and queries quickly and are open to assisting lenders throughout all stages of a restructuring process."
"They are very commercial in their approach and bring well thought-out strategies to the table."
"The team handle cross-border issues with ease."
"The lead partners have the ability to articulate complex legal matters in a way that relates to what it really means on the ground."
"CC has a leading team in all aspects of banking, finance and restructuring and insolvency. The integrated nature of their advice and the apparently seamless provision of advice across these teams is a differentiator."
"Clifford Chance's service levels and responsiveness are excellent - they always respond to questions and queries quickly and are open to assisting lenders throughout all stages of a restructuring process."
"They are very commercial in their approach and bring well thought-out strategies to the table."
"The team handle cross-border issues with ease."
Notable Practitioners
Philip Hertz is the global head of restructuring and insolvency at Clifford Chance, with enviable experience in complex cross-border matters. He is a popular choice for lender clients, counting leading banks and hedge funds among his client base.
"Philip is one of the leading restructuring lawyers in the market. He has technical prowess, he is extremely commercial, he's focused on providing solutions to problems and he's a fabulous person to work with."
"Philip provides an exceptional level of service."
"Philip is very, very strong in insolvency. He is very creative and very much understands your position as a liquidator."
"His affable exterior conceals a readiness to go into bat on behalf of clients with all the assuredness of many years' experience in the sector."
David Towers has experience advising on both the creditor and debtor sides of mandates, with particular expertise in the representation of banks and alternative lenders. His practice includes both restructurings and recapitalisations in domestic and international markets.
"David has the ability to navigate complex intercreditor and restructuring matters in a straightforward and no-nonsense way. He is also highly responsive and great to work with."
"David is extremely knowledgeable and very commercial. He also has an excellent manner with clients, where he is both reassuring and sensible."
"David is very good at what he does, he stands out as one to watch."
Iain White has a broad practice with experience advising both creditors, debtors and officeholders on cross-border restructurings. He is experienced in advising clients on matters spanning a range of sectors including manufacturing, retail and energy.
"Iain is clear, responsive, highly intelligent and unflappable - he is always a pleasure to deal with."
"Iain White is very good. He cuts through the detail and gets straight to the point."
John Maclennan is a respected practitioner with expertise in acting for banks, corporates and creditors, bondholders and alternative investors. He is regularly called upon to assist clients with both domestic and cross-border matters.
"John brings valuable experience in UK restructuring implementation and knows how to apply this effectively, which is of great help to lenders seeking to determine the way forward."
"John is an excellent, pragmatic lawyer. He is service and solution-focused."
"He brings his long experience to bear with insight and pragmatism."
"John is a quality act, doing high-quality work."