Clifford Chance

Christopher Willott rejoins Clifford Chance as counsel in Sao Paulo

Leading international law firm Clifford Chance today announced that Christopher Willott has re-joined the firm as counsel in the Sao Paulo office.  His practice incorporates more than ten years of finance and project finance work – an area of strength for Clifford Chance in the Americas region that will be further bolstered by Willott's presence in Brazil.

Willott began his legal career at Clifford Chance in 1999 and spent five years in the firm's Washington, D.C. office, advising clients alongside many of the same Energy & Projects attorneys he will again work closely with.  Willott has been based in Sao Paulo since 2009, leading Linklaters' international projects practice in Brazil and working on transactions across Latin America. 

"We're thrilled to add someone of Chris' calibre to what we believe is the best team of international lawyers working in Sao Paulo," said Evan Cohen, who leads Clifford Chance's Finance & Restructuring practice in the Americas.  "In addition to his specialized focus on project finance work, he brings with him a strong understanding of the Latin American market, especially in Brazil.  We couldn't be more pleased to have him rejoin our firm."

Anthony Oldfield, managing partner of Clifford Chance's Sao Paulo office, added: "Based on our extensive work in this region, Chris is someone we have come to know and respect.  He is a highly-dedicated and skilled attorney who is well liked by his clients; we look forward to adding his project finance expertise to our strong corporate finance and M&A practices here in Sao Paulo."

In addition to his experience in the Brazilian market, Willott is admitted to the New York Bar and also speaks Portuguese and Spanish.

"I am very happy to return to Clifford Chance and again work with so many outstanding partners in the U.S., the excellent team here in Sao Paulo, and the expansive network of Clifford Chance attorneys around the globe," said Willott.  "Clifford Chance is a clear leader in advising on both inbound and outbound international finance and project finance work across Latin America.  I'm excited to be part of one of the leading international law firms in Brazil."

In 2000, Willott received his JD cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center, and simultaneously earned an MSFS from Georgetown's Walsh School of Foreign Service.