Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance continues US Structured Finance practice growth with appointment of counsel Michael Welch

New York: Leading international law firm Clifford Chance has today announced the arrival of experienced RMBS, ABS and finance attorney Michael Welch as Counsel in its US Structured Finance team. Mr Welch will start with the firm's Washington, DC office on Monday, December 14, 2020.

Welch brings more than 15 years of experience advising on structured finance and securitization matters, advising issuers, underwriters, and other securitization participants in connection with registered offerings and private placements of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities.

He represents the latest addition to a growing practice that includes the recent promotion of Alistair Dunlop to partner (May 2020), and the lateral hires of partners Jim Cotins and Matt Lyons (2019), and Jim Gouwar (2018).

US Structured Finance Practice Head Lee Askenazi says, "We are delighted to have Michael join us here at Clifford Chance. His reputation in the market is well-deserved – he's known to be extremely collegial and we share the same mindset. Our strategy around targeted, organic growth has been highly effective in supporting our clients as they evolve with the market and this arrival further underpins that goal."

Partner Rob Hagan adds, "We've had strong activity and growth levels for many years and have remained busy during the pandemic. Working closely with non-bank clients on financings and securitizations is a large part of the practice; Michael shares the same experience and interest. Further, he's worked closely with many of the lawyers on our team throughout his career -- he knows us and we know him. He's a great fit and addition to our team, and it's fantastic to be able to add his experience and expertise to our client offerings."

Welch, who joins from Chapman & Cutler, comments, "Clifford Chance’s commitment to establishing its capital markets practice as a global leader was an important factor in my decision to join the firm. I'm eager to help build on their success, and excited to be part of such a highly-regarded team."