Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance grows US Real Estate Practice with appointment of partners Kris Ferranti and Jonathan Newman

International law firm Clifford Chance today announced the arrival of real estate partners Kris Ferranti and Jonathan Y. Newman in its US Real Estate practice. Ferranti and Newman bolster the firm's US and global Real Estate offering comprising 600 attorneys, including 193 partners, across five continents.

Ferranti brings 15 years of experience representing a diverse range of clients in complex commercial real estate transactions. He advises financial institutions, sovereign wealth funds, investment funds, individual and institutional investors, developers, and sponsors. His experience spans acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, development projects, foreign investment, financings, ground and space leasing, real estate fund and co-investment formation, and LP investments into funds.

Newman has extensive experience in real estate acquisitions and dispositions, joint venture formations and financing transactions, including mortgage, mezzanine and preferred equity deals, and construction financings. He regularly represents landlords and tenants in ground leases and in commercial and retail leasing transactions as well as sponsors and capital investors in multifamily and commercial property acquisitions and dispositions.

Ferranti and Newman also bring extensive Islamic finance transaction experience, with a particular focus on Shari'a compliant investments into funds and US real estate.

Global Head of Real Estate François Bonteil says, "Clifford Chance's real estate offering is recognized globally. The growth of our practice in the United States reflects the continued focus on real estate as a global asset class. The addition of these two dynamic partners will deliver immediate value to our clients as they navigate an everchanging landscape."

Ness Cohen, Head of the US Real Estate Practice and New York Office Managing Partner, adds, "Kris and Jon bring with them stellar credentials and we're delighted to have them on board. I look forward to their integration with our local teams and the wider global network across REITs, funds, private equity, structured finance, Islamic finance, energy and infrastructure and tax. This is an exciting time for the practice as we continue to grow in the US."

Ferranti says, “Clifford Chance’s dynamic expansion in the US in recent years, coupled with an inspiring vision for future growth, is truly remarkable. Joining the firm offers us an unparalleled opportunity to not only be a part of this exciting growth trajectory but also to contribute meaningfully to a globally renowned platform. We’re eager to leverage our expertise to further enrich the firm’s services and drive innovative solutions for our clients.”

Newman adds, "One of the many advantages that Clifford Chance offers is its unique capability of integrated services throughout the lifecycle of real estate investment and management, meaning we can support across the full spectrum of our clients' needs. This is a compelling offering especially as the real estate market faces new and unchartered market dynamics and one of the main reasons we're so excited to join a truly global firm."