Cleary Gottlieb Achieved Outstanding Rankings in Chambers Europe 2026

Cleary Gottlieb continues to achieve outstanding rankings in the latest edition of Chambers Europe.

In total, the directory recognized 23 of Cleary’s practices, five of which earned top-tier rankings. In addition, Cleary received 59 lawyer rankings, six of which were top tier.

Chambers Europe ranks the top lawyers and law firms across Europe, providing indispensable insights, and market intelligence for law firm clients as well as legal professionals.

The firm received the following client and peer commendations:

Capital Markets

• “The team at Cleary are good at trying to find solutions. They managed a lot of complexity, different stakeholders and different jurisdictions really well.”
• “Cleary Gottlieb stands out for its in-depth experience in the sector and a high level of technical and legal expertise. It can offer excellent performance even for very complex transactions.”
• “Cleary Gottlieb’s technical expertise, the rapidity of responses from its Italian professionals and its international network ensure an orderly performance of even extremely complex operations.”
• “I would highlight the team’s broad expertise, a high level of skills, availability and patience.”
• “Cleary Gottlieb is very proactive and provides added value. The law firm is strong at providing solutions and assisting with a full range of services.”

Competition

• “Cleary’s competition law team stands out for its deep-rooted experience representing European-based companies in high-stakes EU competition matters, including proceedings before the EC and EU courts.”
• “Cleary has such a deep bench of exceptionally talented lawyers of all experience levels. The firm is not reliant on a single partner or associate - they are all excellent and reliable.”
• “The team consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to understanding the client’s unique needs and delivering tailored solutions while ensuring responsiveness and proactive communication.”
• “Cleary Gottlieb has exceptionally skilled competition lawyers who excel at identifying opportunities within challenges to achieve the best possible outcomes.”
• “The lawyers simply understand business and are able to master complex matters with ease.”

Corporate/M&A

• “Cleary Gottlieb is really great for complex matters where a certain level of creativity is required. It houses superstar lawyers who are very business-oriented and deliver top-notch legal advice.”
• “The level of involvement is incredible at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton; you really get a team that is on your side for the whole time and is truly available for the clients.”
• “Cleary Gottlieb provides thoughtful and insightful M&A legal advice that takes into account geopolitical and commercial factors. They have a very smart and dedicated team.”
• “Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton is an international firm, capable of covering all jurisdictions and adequately managing negotiations or disputes with national and foreign entities.”
• “Cleary Gottlieb provides thoughtful and insightful M&A legal advice that takes into account geopolitical and commercial factors. They have a very smart and dedicated team.”

Debt Finance

• “The team is incredibly responsive - they’re always willing to go the extra mile. They are really cutting-edge and demonstrate a strong commitment to client needs.”
• “They have a strong client-first approach. They’re very responsive, easy to work with, and provide very valuable advice with a practical and commercial lens.”
• “They are very responsive and flexible.”

Litigation

• “Its distinguishing strengths are a very high level of legal expertise, including in international law, its understanding of clients’ needs and ability to work together to identify solutions.”

• “They are able to provide the client with great expertise regarding complex and interconnected matters, identifying effective strategic solutions calibrated to the peculiarities of the specific case.”

• “The department offers great legal preparation and excellent knowledge of international arbitration and international construction law, as well as great availability and flexibility.”
• “Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton is very attentive to the client’s goal.”

• “The department is particularly equipped for the management of complex cases, with a strong strategic capacity and an inclination to appropriately address legal issues.”

• “Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton’s work was very much high level. They have offices abroad and a wealth of experience.”

• “The law firm is always reactive and able to explain with clarity all steps to its clients, assuring a high-quality level for each brief.”

• “The team demonstrates timeliness, understanding of customer needs and reliability.”

Private Equity

• “It’s an incredibly strong team, both technically and commercially. It is extremely responsive, reliable, knowledgeable and thoughtful in terms of problem-solving, negotiations and advice.”
• “The department provides a strong expertise across all support areas, guarantees supervision and support throughout all phases of the operation, as well as contextual knowledge of the target markets.”
• “Its lawyers have an approach aimed at facilitating deal-making activities.”
• “The team possesses knowledge of the infrastructure sector and the ability to identify innovative legal solutions.”
• “Cleary Gottlieb Steen is able to provide practical legal advice that aligns with our business objectives and market realities.”

Restructuring

• “I would distinguish them for their creative solutions, their multi-jurisdictional expertise and their cohesive strategies to blend in- and out-of-court processes.”
• “They have a deep and talented bench. They are exceptional lawyers combining excellent legal prowess with exceptional strategic and business acumen.”
• “Cleary Gottlieb is definitely one of the go-to firms for complex matters.”

To read more about Cleary’s achievements in Europe, click here.