Former HSF partner joins Clifford Chance in Sydney

Clifford Chance has added former Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) partner Philip Podzebenko to its Sydney corporate practice as a senior real estate and infrastructure partner.

The firm noted that Podzebenko “will add senior capabilities in real estate and infrastructure investments” and “deepen relationships with private capital investors,” strengthening the firm’s private equity, energy transition and infrastructure offerings.

“Philip will be a tremendous addition to the team, broadening our financial investor transactional advice with his deep experience in real estate and infrastructure investments,” commented Clifford Chance Australia managing partner Richard Gordon.

Over a legal career spanning over two decades, Podzebenko has advised pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, private equity groups, investment banks, and insurers on real asset investments in Australia and Asia. He has also advised on investments in the transportation, energy, telecommunications, and digital infrastructure sectors.

“A strategic priority of ours is to deepen our bench strength advising private capital providers particularly as we continue to see strong investment interest across Australia and Asia in real assets,” said Andrew Crook, head of Asia Pacific corporate at Clifford Chance.

Earlier this year, the firm also welcomed Elizabeth Richmond as a partner on its antitrust and competition team in Sydney, as well as Spencer Flay as a partner in Perth specialising in projects and contentious construction.