Clifford Chance Expands Global Energy and Infrastructure Work, Opens Houston Office

Clifford Chance Opens Houston Office to Strengthen Global Energy and Infrastructure Practice

Leading International Law Firm Expands Footprint with 10 Partner Hires, Including Latham & Watkins Veterans

Clifford Chance, a renowned London-founded international law firm, has announced the establishment of a new office in Houston to bolster its global energy and infrastructure practice. The firm has assembled an impressive team of 10 partners, with seven of them being recruited from rival law firms, including notable additions from Latham & Watkins.

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This strategic move reflects Clifford Chance's commitment to growth in the United States, where it already boasts a strong presence with over 300 lawyers and existing offices in Washington, D.C., and New York. Meanwhile, another London-founded global firm, Allen & Overy, is actively pursuing expansion in the United States through a proposed merger with the New York-based Shearman & Sterling.

The Houston team at Clifford Chance will provide comprehensive support to U.S. and international clients across various energy sectors, encompassing traditional and renewable energy matters. Their expertise will cover critical areas such as carbon capture and trading, clean hydrogen, digital and energy infrastructure, mergers and acquisitions, project finance, regulatory compliance, tax advisory, litigation, and private equity work.

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Commenting on the development, Charles Adams, the global managing partner of Clifford Chance, emphasized the firm's commitment to energy transition and its ability to add substantial value to businesses pursuing sustainable paths. He stated, "Energy transition is a priority for our clients, and our depth of knowledge across technologies and jurisdictions in this sector positions Clifford Chance to add real value to businesses pursuing a sustainable path."

Three partners will relocate to support the Houston office from other Clifford Chance locations, bringing their extensive experience to the team. These include Devika Kornbacher, Alexander Leff from New York, and Anthony Giustini from Paris. Kornbacher, who co-heads the firm's global tech group, joined Clifford Chance in July last year after a successful stint at Houston-founded Vinson & Elkins. Leff, a tax equity transactions partner, joined the firm from Sive, Paget & Riesel in the same year.

While the firm did not disclose the names of the other partner hires, it is worth noting that the two partners from Latham & Watkins, known for their focus on transactional matters, will play crucial roles in expanding Clifford Chance's robust global energy and infrastructure team. Jonathan Castelan advises on transactions related to carbon capture and renewable fuels projects. At the same time, Trevor Lavelle's expertise lies in public and private financing, including high-yield debt and initial public offerings.

The departure of the two Latham partners has yet to elicit a response from the firm at the time of this announcement.

Clifford Chance's entry into the Houston market follows a series of law firms establishing offices in the energy hub in recent years, including Sheppard Mullin, O'Melveny & Myers, Dyk