Clifford Chance Adds Jones Day Partner to Growing Houston Finance Team

August 17, 2026 - 12:51

Clifford Chance is expanding its Texas presence, bringing in a partner from Jones Day to join its finance practice in Houston. The move is part of a broader push to grow the firm's U.S. finance capabilities, according to Alex Wilde, the managing partner of Clifford Chance's Houston office.

Wilde said the firm is focused on deepening its bench in the region, which has become a central hub for energy, infrastructure, and cross-border deals. The new partner, whose name was not disclosed in the announcement, brings experience in complex lending and structured finance matters, areas where Clifford Chance has been actively recruiting.

The hire follows a series of strategic additions to the Houston team over the past year. Wilde noted that the office is not just adding bodies but targeting lawyers with deep transactional expertise who can serve clients on high-stakes financings. Houston, he added, is critical for the firm's global strategy, especially as energy transition projects and private credit deals continue to surge.

Clifford Chance has been competing aggressively with other global firms for top talent in Texas, where the legal market remains hot despite broader industry slowdowns. The firm's leadership sees Houston as a gateway for both domestic and international clients, particularly those involved in the Gulf Coast's industrial and energy sectors. This latest appointment signals that the firm intends to keep that momentum going, even as other offices tighten their belts.