Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance strengthens Australian Financial Investor and M&A practice with four new partners

Leading international law firm Clifford Chance is further expanding its Australian transactional practice with the hiring of partners David Clee and Elizabeth Hill and the promotion of Jacob Kahwaji and Reuben van Werkum to partner in its leading, global corporate and M&A practice.

David and Elizabeth, who join the office today, bolster the firm's public and private M&A, IPO and distressed M&A capabilities and build on its position as the pre-eminent corporate advisor to leading international and Australian financial investors and corporates.

With respect to the hires of David and Elizabeth, co-head of the Asia Pacific Corporate practice Andrew Crook said, "The Australian M&A environment is home to increasingly sophisticated financial investors requiring top-tier legal advisors who understand the complex regulatory framework and have proven deal experience. David and Elizabeth collectively offer our clients impressive experience, including advising on public, private and distressed M&A transactions of the highest commercial importance. Both are fantastic additions as we strengthen our existing capabilities and continue expanding our Australian practice in key areas of importance to our clients."

Speaking to the promotion of Jacob and Reuben he added, "Jacob and Reuben's promotion to partner further strengthens our offering across the private equity and private infrastructure sectors and, in combination with both the hiring of David Clee and Elizabeth Hill, and Elizabeth Hundt Russell's recent arrival, provides us with an outstanding ability to partner with our clients on their most important transactions."

Australian Managing Partner Richard Gordon added, "Our corporate practice is extremely excited to have such high calibre partners joining the team and bringing wide-ranging experience and complementary skills. David and Elizabeth add yet another dimension in our corporate offering. All our new partners have impressive experience acting on high profile deals, as well as deep regulatory and market understanding that will greatly benefit our domestic and international clients."

In addition to having extensive public and private M&A experience, David is a renowned advisor on distressed M&A transactions that will, in combination with Australian partners Mark Currell and Mark Gillgren, offer market leading advice for clients.

Along with her extensive M&A experience, Elizabeth brings expertise in technology focused venture capital and M&A transactions and will work with the firm's regional and global Technology partners to further develop capability in this space.

With the appointment of David and Elizabeth the firm continues to strengthen its leading local and regional corporate practice. They both join from Gilbert + Tobin in Sydney where they were partners.
Jacob and Reuben are part of a global cohort of 29 new internal partner promotions drawn from all of the firm's market-leading practices and every region.