Watson Farley & Williams (“WFW”) has promoted seven lawyers to the firm’s partnership for 2026. They are:
Maxi Adamski-de Visser – Assets & Structured Finance, New York
Maxi’s practice focusses primarily on cross-border and domestic asset-based finance transactions in the transportation sector. She regularly advises financial institutions (including commercial banks and ECAs) and private and publicly listed companies on the structuring, negotiation and documentation of complex loan and security arrangements. Maxi also regularly advises on Jones Act related matters, as well as on matters of Marshall Islands and Liberian maritime law.
C.J. Chido – Assets & Structured Finance, New York
Maritime practitioner C.J. acts for banks, financial institutions and private equity funds on cross-border asset-backed financings. In addition, he frequently advises ship owners in connection with the financing, leasing, operating, sale and purchase of a variety of vessels. In these roles, he leverages deep experience in U.S. maritime law and New York commercial law, along with the corporate and maritime laws of leading flag-states, including the Marshall Islands and Liberia. C.J. has been recognised as a ‘Rising Star’ by Legal 500 USA for shipping finance since 2022.
Alexander Creswick – Dispute Resolution, London
Specialising in the energy and infrastructure sectors, Alex’s practice focusses on construction and regulatory matters. He has extensive experience in all forms of dispute resolution, including arbitration, litigation, adjudication, expert determination and mediation. Since 2023, Alex has been listed as a ‘Key Lawyer’ in Legal 500 UK for contentious construction and international arbitration.
Lidia Fernandez – Regulatory, Public Law & Competition, Madrid
Lidia advises domestic and international clients on regulatory matters throughout the energy sector, covering projects based on established technologies such as solar, wind and CSP, as well as emerging technologies and assets including BESS and data centres. Her experience spans corporate and finance transactions, project development and regulatory structuring, as well as litigation, enabling her to provide comprehensive, commercially focused advice throughout the lifecycle of energy projects.
Maira Galani – Project & Structured Finance, Athens
Maira specialises in regulatory matters, M&A and project finance in the energy sector. She has extensive experience in the Greek energy market and related regulations, environmental law and land rights, as well as advising on corporate structures and corporate governance. Maira is recognised by Chambers & Partners Europe, Legal 500 EMEA and IFLR1000 for her expertise in the Greek energy sector.
Alessia Giaccari – Real Estate, Milan
Alessia advises Italian and international institutional and private clients on real estate investment, development, asset management, repossession and disputes in the hospitality, logistics, residential, office and retail sectors. She has also advised on the structuring, development and management of infrastructure projects. In 2026, Chambers & Partners Europe ranked Alessia as ‘Up and Coming’ in real estate.
Javier Ruffin – Corporate, Madrid
Javier advises on corporate and M&A transactions and projects, both domestically and internationally. His practice primarily focusses on the renewable energy sector, where he advises clients across the project life cycle. Javier also advises on a range of infrastructure matters. In 2025, he was named Iberian Lawyer’s ‘Energy Lawyer of the Year’ in its ‘Forty Under 40 Awards’ and was recognised in the Energy and Natural Resources category by Chamber & Partners.
Senior Partner George Paleokrassas commented: “We are proud to welcome these seven outstanding lawyers to our partnership. This round of promotions emphasises WFW’s strong international full-service capabilities across our core sectors of transport, energy and infrastructure. I look forward to the leadership they will bring as the firm continues to grow globally”.
Managing Partner Lindsey Keeble added: “These promotions reflect both the exceptional calibre of our lawyers and our commitment to developing and nurturing talent within our sectors. Investing in exceptional talent across our global platform is fundamental to how we support our clients and our new partners will play a significant role in driving our next phase of growth”.
