Two were elevated in a global internal promotions round while two join from a major national firm
Clifford Chance has beefed up its partnership in Australia with four new additions.
Jacob Kahwaji and Reuben van Werkum made partner as part of a group of 29 internal promotions across the firm’s global offices. Both work with the global corporate and M&A practice.
David Clee and Elizabeth Hill join from Gilbert + Tobin. They are set to bolster Clifford Chance’s public and private M&A, IPO and distressed M&A offering.
“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,” said Andrew Crook, who co-leads the firm’s APAC corporate practice.
Crook also said that Clee and Hill’s appointments come at an important time in the M&A landscape.
“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,” Crook said. “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.”
Hill brings to the table knowledge in tech-focused venture capital and M&A transactions as well, and will collaborate with Clifford Chance’s regional and global tech partners.
“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,” Australia managing partner Richard Gordon said. “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.”
Hill and Clee started with the firm on Monday.
