29 March 2010
Clifford Chance announced today that Michael Bates and Robert Lee have been elected the new joint practice areas leaders for the London Finance Practice for a period of four years, from 1 April, 2010.
Michael has been a partner in Clifford Chance’s Finance Practice since 2001 and specialises in acquisition and leveraged financings, with an emphasis on the infrastructure sector. Robert, a Finance partner since 1997, focuses on a number of areas including structured financings, restructurings, real estate financings, general corporate banking, syndicated lending and acquisition financing.
Michael and Robert commented: “We are both honoured and excited about leading a practice that is pre-eminent in the London legal market. We believe that our experience of working together for over 12 years, and with partners from all parts of the Finance Practice, will enable us to successfully manage the practice while maintaining significant fee-earning roles.”
Global Finance Practice Area Leader, Mark Campbell, added: “We are fortunate that two of the most highly rated banking partners in the finance market will be leading the most active and highly respected finance practice in London. By sharing the role they will be able to manage this significant responsibility with balancing their commitment to advising clients.”
Michael and Robert will be taking over from Mark Stewart who retires from the partnership on 31 March, 2010.
Clifford Chance’s London Finance Practice has over 270 lawyers, including 58 partners. It covers a wide range of financial activities including lending, acquisition finance, project finance, asset finance, financial regulation, derivatives and structured products.
