Cleary Gottlieb Excels in Legal 500 Latin America 2026 With More Hall of Fame Lawyers Than Any Firm

Cleary Gottlieb is recognized as a leading international law firm in Legal 500 Latin America 2026, and has more Hall of Fame lawyers than any other international firm in the region.

Cleary was recognized in the region as a Tier 1 firm for Latin America in Banking and Finance, Capital Markets, and Corporate and M&A; a Tier 2 firm for Compliance and Investigations; a Tier 3 firm for International Arbitration; and a Tier 4 firm for Projects & Energy.

Cleary partners Richard Cooper and Jeffrey Lewis and senior counsel Nicolas Grabar continue to be recognized in the Legal 500 Hall of Fame. Legal 500 Latin America also recognized partners Francisco Cestero, Juan Giráldez, Jorge Juantorena, Chantal Kordula, Ari MacKinnon, and Lisa Vicens as “Leading Partners.” Partner Manuel Silva and Carina Wallance were named “Next Generation Partners.” Associates Ignacio Lagos and Katie Gonzalez were named “Leading Associates.” 

The firm received the following client and peer commendations for its extraordinary work in the region:

• Banking and Finance – “Cleary’s attorneys are excellent professionals. They are highly collaborative, and their concepts are clear and timely.”
• Capital Markets – “The Cleary team stands out among the best I have ever worked with, providing legal advice on foreign law for Brazilian companies. They have extensive technical experience and a deep understanding of the client’s needs, and they take responsibility for the processes in a very present manner, relieving the client’s burden. And they are always extremely diligent. I really enjoy working with them.”
• Compliance and Investigations – “Lawyers with great experience in the field. Most of them used to work with U.S. agencies and authorities, which gives them an inside view of how agencies think and work.”
• Corporate and M&A – “Compared to other U.S. firms, the partners’ availability to resolve their clients’ problems and concerns is striking. The associate attorneys have extensive experience and knowledge of the issues they are required to address.”
• International Arbitration – “The practice is distinguished by its efficiency and quality of service. The team is comprised of highly qualified attorneys with extensive experience in various areas of law. Their ability to work collaboratively and their commitment to excellence are some of the strengths that set them apart from other firms.”

Learn more about the Legal 500 Latin America 2026.