Catalyses the first step in the degradation of chlorobenzoate in Pseudomonas. In many microorganisms, this activity comprises three separate enzymes, EC 6.2.1.33 (4-chlorobenzoate---CoA ligase), EC 3.8.1.7 (4-chlorobenzoyl-CoA dehalogenase) and EC 3.1.2.23 (4-hydroxybenzoyl-CoA thioesterase).