Cleary Gottlieb Achieves Outstanding Results in Chambers Global 2012; Wins Competition/Antitrust and Latin America Inaugural Firm of the Year Awards

Cleary Gottlieb and its lawyers continue to be recognized in the Chambers Global legal directory.

Evidencing the strength of the firm’s overall practice and extent of its geographic reach, the 2012 edition, released March 16, highlights 131 Cleary Gottlieb lawyers and 93 practices for work in Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Malaysia, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Russia, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as regionally throughout Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and globally.

In addition, Chambers Global named Cleary Gottlieb “Competition/Antitrust Firm of the Year” and “Latin America Firm of the Year” as part of its inaugural Chambers Global Online Awards. Winners were selected by the Chambers editors in consultation with the research team, taking into account the overall performance of the firms and their involvement in the highest profile and most cutting-edge deals and cases around the world.

As the publication has evolved, Chambers has redefined its geographic and practice area categories, subdividing some into narrower niches while truncating others. Recognizing the firm’s commitment to new markets, the firm was profiled for the first time in the following new or reorganized categories: Africa-wide: Projects & Energy: Mining & Minerals; China: Capital Markets: Equity (International Firms); China: Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability (International Firms); France: Projects: International Projects; Global: Projects; Global: Projects & Energy: Mining & Minerals; Global: Restructuring/Insolvency; Malaysia: Corporate/M&A; Philippines: Capital Markets; and United Kingdom: Dispute Resolution.

The following Cleary Gottlieb practices are recognized for being among the best in the world, based on Chambers’ interviews of the firm’s clients and competitors: 

GLOBAL

• Arbitration (International): “This practice is noted for its strong reputation in Paris, where its international arbitration work spans the globe, with significant mandates in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa. The team is well known for its representation of both corporations and sovereigns.”
• Banking & Finance: “This firm is an exceptional performer in Latin America, where it is generally regarded as the standout practice. On its home turf in the USA, a strong core financing arm combines with stellar regulatory expertise to produce broad capability. Its offices in London and Moscow provide coverage in key European hubs, with particular strength on the sponsor side. ‘They focus on our business objectives and come up with a fair and equitable solution.’ ‘They have the depth and the talent.’”
• Capital Markets: Debt, Capital Markets: Equity and Capital Markets: Structured Finance & Derivatives: “This firm’s international profile in debt, equity and structured finance is formidable, especially in New York, London, Latin America and Russia. It also has a strong presence in the Asia-Pacific region and a well-regarded Middle East practice. ‘Consistently excellent lawyers.’”
• Competition/Antitrust: “This pre-eminent practice is highly regarded for its extensive international footprint and its presence on complex cross-border matters. Cleary advises major corporate names on merger controls, state aid, cartel matters and antitrust litigation. ‘One of the leading lights in global competition and antitrust.’”
• Corporate/M&A: “Sources praise Cleary Gottlieb for its expertise in all aspects of domestic and cross-border M&A across Europe, Asia and the USA. Its office opening in São Paulo strengthens its already significant Latin America capability. The firm has been particularly active in the energy and resources sector, and as counsel to financial institutions and consumer product companies. ‘Cleary proved to be of invaluable help in keeping the deal moving forward effectively and liaising with our local counterpart.’”
• Dispute Resolution: “The prodigious strength of this firm’s New York office is the jewel in its litigation crown. Further teams of particular expertise are located in Rome and Paris. Its international arbitration group spans a broad geographical area, covering the USA, Europe and Latin America. ‘Very good and very international, and capable in multiple types of disputes.’”
• Investment Funds: Private Equity: Fund Formation: “This New York-based firm stands out for its fund formation work and strong transactional private equity practice. ‘Their client service focus is very impressive – our overall opinion of the firm is very positive, and we will look for more opportunities to work with them.’”
• Private Equity: “The group benefits from the support of a premier capital markets team. ‘The team is technically very strong and it has proven this over and over again – the talent they bring is of high quality and we always go back to them.’”
• Projects and Projects & Energy: Mining & Minerals: “This team has a considerable profile in the USA, Europe and Asia, and works regularly on a cross-office basis. It is renowned for its extensive industry knowledge across the projects sphere.”
• Public International Law: “This team offers the full spectrum of PIL advice, including dispute resolution, international human rights law, sovereign matters and state succession. It advises multinational corporations, financial institutions and sovereigns with regard to PIL matters and is recognized for its extensive experience in Eastern Europe.”
• Restructuring/Insolvency: “This firm enters the rankings this year from widespread recognition of the team’s strength in sovereign debt restructuring work. ‘They were absolutely terrific to work with - very knowledgeable in this area.’”
• Tax: “This high-quality US firm has a strong practice in Europe, and is widely respected for its in-depth expertise in multi-jurisdictional transactions. International M&A is at the heart of its tax practice, with additional expertise in tax controversy. The firm represents several major financial institutions in audit matters relating to cross-border financial products and transactions. ‘A broad practice with a very international approach.’ ‘They do a lot of international work, and they can do it in-house.’”

REGIONAL CATEGORIES

Africa-wide 

• Corporate/Commercial: “This firm has a long-standing presence in Africa and its Paris office is especially visible working on African corporate mandates. ‘An undoubtedly good firm in terms of high-quality work and responsiveness.’”
• Projects & Energy and Projects & Energy: Mining & Minerals: “This firm has long-running experience of working in more than 30 African jurisdictions. It is active in a significant number of projects and energy transactions, which it handles mainly from its Paris office. ‘A strong firm generally but its tradition of working in Africa stands out especially.’” 

Asia-Pacific Region

• Capital Markets: Debt and Capital Markets: Equity: “This firm’s offices in Beijing and Hong Kong handle a range of debt and equity work, focusing on Korea and India. The Hong Kong team has 15 Korean-speaking lawyers and is a leader in the market, frequently advising Korean corporations wishing to issue debt domestically and in Singapore. ‘They stand out as issuers’ counsel, especially for Korean entities.’”
• Corporate/M&A and Corporate/M&A: Private Equity: “Private equity is a core practice area for this stalwart US firm, which has been active in Asia for more than 30 years. It has two offices in Greater China, from which it runs its Asian operations, including handling significant work in South Korea and India.” 

Europe-wide

• Arbitration (International): “Cleary’s strong international network gives it a notable edge, and its Russian office in particular receives glowing feedback from clients. ‘Cleary is committed and able to go into detail to elaborate on the crucial aspects of a deal.’”
• Capital Markets: Debt and Capital Markets: Equity: “This US powerhouse has a notable presence in several major European locations and clearly maintains its position as a leading capital markets adviser. The Paris team excels in equity matters and has been active on share sales, rights offerings and IPOs lately. ‘We initially chose this team because of its solid prowess in bond issues. We continue with it thanks to its knowledgeable, efficient, reactive approach to client work.’”
• Competition/European Law: “Cleary Gottlieb remains one of the most sought-after firms for competition law advice. With 70 antitrust specialists in the Brussels office alone, and highly experienced teams in Italy, Germany and France, it is capable of handling a heavy workload of multi-jurisdictional merger control, antitrust and state aid instructions. ‘Our go-to firm for competition matters in Europe.’ ‘Phenomenal for antitrust work.’”
• Corporate/M&A: “This US firm focuses on high-end transactions, working out of offices in key European cities. Its busy Paris and Brussels teams are supported by successful branches in Moscow, London, Milan, Rome, Frankfurt and Cologne. … The firm has a diverse client portfolio, including sellers, buyers and targets. ‘It stands out in corporate law and on complex transactions.’”
• International Trade/WTO: “Sanctions issues constituted a particularly important facet of this team’s workload of late, as the EU responded to international political events.”
• Tax: “This US outfit is well versed on international tax aspects of cross-border acquisitions and joint ventures, and runs a highly respected tax planning consultancy for financial services companies as well as other multinationals. … It also has experience in the ever-growing field of tax litigation, as European governments and tax authorities seek to ensure maximum tax revenue. ‘It has some really top-notch tax people in continental Europe and the UK.’”
• Technology & Communications: “Technology and telecoms clients continue to benefit from this firm’s strong competition/EU law practice and its ability to handle complex regulatory matters. Belgium and Italy are the group’s strongholds in the European market, and it advises a range of eminent international names.” 

Latin America-wide

• Banking & Finance: “Cleary Gottlieb undeniably has the deepest bench and broadest coverage in Latin America, as well as a first-class reputation in New York. Its lawyers are practical and business-oriented, and can call on a wide range of resources from across the firm. The firm advises a huge roster of banking clients, representing both lenders and borrowers. ‘They’re in high demand and this is a testament to their world-class service.’”
• Capital Markets: “Cleary Gottlieb is known for its unparalleled expertise, presence and geographical range in Latin America. Clients are full of praise for the confident manner with which the firm manages their accounts, and praise its excellent partner availability. ‘The firm knows all the banks, gets to know its clients extremely well, and shows tremendous leadership and great financial knowledge.’”
• Corporate/M&A: “Cleary Gottlieb is firmly established in the region with a long history of involvement in large Latin American transactions. ‘This is an extremely strong Latin American practice that delivers excellent work.’”
• International Arbitration: “Cleary’s worldwide arbitration practice is spread across seven worldwide offices, with most of the Latin American caseload being handled out of New York. The firm has a strong background in sovereign representation but also acts for large multinationals. ‘Active in the region for a long time and a dominating force in the arbitration market.’”
• Projects: “This firm has a prestigious and dedicated Latin American practice and is a market leader for banking, corporate finance and capital markets work across the region. These financial credentials spill over into the projects field, and the team advises several natural resources companies on managing their finances. The team’s caseload favors the more complex engagements and leans towards the sponsor side, although it also advises lenders from time to time. ‘The firm takes a very practical approach and is excellent in legal terms but also in making sure we meet our business objectives.’” 

Middle East

• Capital Markets: “[Cleary’s] London capital markets team has a strong reputation and acts on key transactions in the region. ‘When it comes to going into new markets or using new instruments, the firm is absolutely first-rate.’”
• Corporate/Commercial: “The Paris and London offices of this US firm regularly advise notable clients on a wide range of corporate and commercial matters.”

COUNTRY CATEGORIES

Belgium 

• Banking & Finance 
• Competition/European Law 
• Corporate/M&A
• International Trade/WTO 

Brazil

• Corporate: International Counsel 

China

• Capital Markets: Equity (International Firms)
• Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability (International Firms) 

France

• Capital Markets: Derivatives and Capital Markets: Equity
• Corporate/M&A
• Dispute Resolution: International Arbitration and Dispute Resolution: Litigation
• Projects: International Projects
• Tax 

Germany

• Banking & Finance: Acquisition Finance & Syndicated Lending 
• Capital Markets: Debt and Capital Markets: Equity
• Corporate/M&A
• Restructuring/Insolvency
• Tax 

India

• Capital Markets and Corporate/M&A 

Italy

• Banking & Finance
• Capital Markets: Debt and Capital Markets: Equity
• Corporate/M&A
• Dispute Resolution
• Restructuring/Insolvency
• Tax 

Malaysia

• Corporate/M&A 

Philippines

• Capital Markets 

Russia

• Banking & Finance 
• Capital Markets
• Corporate/M&A
• Restructuring/Insolvency 

South Korea

• Capital Markets and Corporate/M&A 

United Kingdom

• Banking & Finance: Sponsors
• Capital Markets: Debt and Capital Markets: Equity
• Corporate/M&A
• Dispute Resolution 

United States

• Banking & Finance and Banking & Finance: Mainly Regulatory
• Bankruptcy/Restructuring 
• Capital Markets: Debt & Equity
• Capital Markets: Derivatives and Capital Markets: Structured Products
• Capital Markets: Securitization
• Competition/Antitrust 
• Corporate/M&A
• Energy: Metals & Mining (Transactional) 
• Investment Funds: Private Equity: Fund Formation 
• Private Equity: Buyouts 
• Projects: PPP
• Tax: Corporate & Finance