Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance announces new Global Real Estate Head

Leading international law firm, Clifford Chance has today announced that Jonathan Solomon will take on the role of Global Practice Area Leader for the firm's top-ranked Real Estate practice, alongside his current role as London head. Jonathan succeeds Alfonso Benavides 1 September 2016.

Jonathan is a well-respected real estate practitioner.  He has advised on many major transactions in the real estate market, including: advising GIC on the purchase of a 50% interest in the Broadgate Estate; Hammerson on its 50:50 joint venture with Westfield for the development of a 1.5 million sq ft shopping centre in Croydon; and, Generali Real Estate on the development and pre letting to M&G of its a 420,000 sq ft office scheme at 10 Fenchurch Avenue.  Advising clients will remain a priority for Jonathan. 

Jonathan commented, "We have an enviable real estate capability.  In addition to the well-established strength of the practice across our global network, the breadth of the firm's expertise in real estate related work across finance, corporate, tax, funds and litigation provides a compelling combination for our clients and sets us apart from the competition. I am excited to take on this role, building upon Alfonso's great work, and I look forward to working with my colleagues across the firm as we continue to develop our client offering."

Matthew Layton, Clifford Chance Managing Partner added, "Jonathan has done a great job leading the team in London and I congratulate him on this next step."

After a long and successful career at Clifford Chance, Alfonso Benavides has decided to step away from his management responsibilities to focus on his life outside of the firm.  Matthew Layton said, "Alfonso has made a fantastic contribution to the firm over the past 25 years, including during the past six years as the global head of our top-ranked real estate practice.  I speak for the whole partnership in wishing him the very best for the future."