Clifford Chance hires partner Jason C. Ewart to expand its leveraged finance and capital markets capabilities in the US

New York: International law firm Clifford Chance has appointed Jason C. Ewart as a partner in its Global Financial Markets team as the firm expands its US leveraged finance group.

The hiring of Ewart, who advises on private debt and alternative capital financing as well as traditional leveraged finance and capital markets transactions, meets growing market demand for private debt as a source of financing. He will be joined by UK-based partner Thomas Critchley, who is moving to the US later this month to strengthen the firm’s leveraged finance capability on the sponsor side.

Ewart has represented a variety of direct lenders, mezzanine funds, private debt and structured equity providers, and other financial institutions in complex financing transactions. His more than 15 years of experience includes advising clients on banking, financial markets and environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters. He has represented issuers and financial institutions in traditional public and private market transactions, including SEC-registered transactions.

Critchley, who has been a partner in the firm’s London office since 2020, advises on domestic and cross-border financial transactions for borrowers and sponsors, with a particular focus on leveraged and acquisition financing.

Emma Matebalavu, Global Head of Capital Markets, said: “As private credit and private capital become an increasingly important source of funding, we are expanding our US offering to reflect our renowned position as a global team across the full spectrum of private credit markets.” Jason has extensive knowledge of all levels of capital structure to help clients negotiate and structure effective financing transactions and investments. His transatlantic experience fits perfectly with our commitment to providing our clients with seamless global capabilities.”

Lee Askenazi, Co-Head of Global Financial Markets – Americas, commented: “Jason’s appointment to our team here in the US marks a time of increasing activity in the region. His arrival, along with Thomas from our UK practice, will bring immediate benefits to our clients seeking truly global advice.”

Ewart said: “I am delighted to be joining a truly global platform with Clifford Chance. Having already connected with a number of team members, I see limitless opportunities to share my experiences and, in turn, work with and learn from some of the most impressive lawyers in the market.”

Clifford Chance’s Leverage Finance group brings together teams from multiple practices and jurisdictions to advise on high-profile engagements around the world, including: Advising Lumos (owned by EQT Infrastructure) on a market-first $1 sustainability-related infrastructure debt financing .1 billion, Cinven’s lenders in connection with the financing of the acquisition of Master Builders Solutions, BlackRock and Angelo Gordon in a $250 million private placement for Landsea Homes, and BlackRock and Silver Point Capital in connection with this with a $350 million asset-based loan facility for InfraBuild, Australia’s largest vertically integrated steel manufacturer and distributor.