Cleary Gottlieb Named "Corporate/M&A Firm of the Year" and Achieves Unparalleled Success in Chambers Latin America 2011 Guide

Cleary Gottlieb was recognized by Chambers Latin America as the “Corporate/M&A Firm of the Year” for international counsel in Latin America for 2010. The award was announced on September 16 at Chambers Latin America’s Awards for Excellence Dinner in Miami.

In addition, Cleary achieved outstanding results in the just-released 2011 edition of Chambers Latin America. The guide highlights Cleary as one of the best international law firms in Latin America with six leading practices, and once again Cleary is the only firm ranked in the top tier for both the Latin America-wide capital markets and corporate/M&A categories. Sixteen partners were named as “leading individuals” in their respective practice areas.

The following Cleary practices are recognized for being the best or among the best in Latin America, based on Chambers’ interviews of the firm’s clients and lawyers at other firms:

Banking & Finance – “This firm’s long-standing presence in the region, reputation in New York and enviable roster of banking clients keep it at the top of the market. It advises both lenders and borrowers, and has been acting for the creditors in some of the large restructurings in Latin America during the downturn … ‘Cleary’s success in the region speaks for itself; you know you will get top quality when you hire this firm,’ according to clients.”

Capital Markets – “This heavyweight has a long-standing presence in Latin America and is renowned for its capital markets work in the region. Sources hail the team’s deep bench strength and tremendous knowledge across all areas of capital markets products. … Clients say: ‘Cleary has the reputation – it’s the one that clients know and turn to’ and that ‘this firm outpaces the competition based on its unique and sound knowledge of not only the products but also the countries.’”

Corporate/M&A – “Cleary was involved in many of the largest Latin American transactions of recent times and is the undisputed market leader. It runs most of the work from New York, but also pools talent from other teams across the world and has a small representative office in Buenos Aires. Its long-standing practice spans M&A, equity work and restructurings. … ‘It has the most knowledgeable partner base of any firm, and the deepest bench – there are ten to 12 partners I would feel comfortable asking a question, and all would respond without billing. Beyond that, they are all pleasant, personable people,’ clients say.”

International Arbitration – “This firm has a strong presence in Latin America on the back of its corporate work in the region, and is particularly highlighted for its experience in sovereign debt and bondholders disputes. The team is primarily engaged in investment disputes and is well regarded for its expertise in both investor and sovereign state representation.”

Projects – “This firm has a strong presence in Latin American transactions and its talented team also tackles a busy projects workload in the region. It is renowned for its work for lenders and also acts for sponsors and sovereigns in infrastructure work, PPPs and related legislation. ‘This firm offers real depth in terms of its partners and associates,’ clients say.”

Capital Markets: Overseas Counsel (Brazil) – “Cleary Gottlieb has over 50 years’ experience representing clients’ interests in Latin America. Its highly praised capital markets team can cite an impressive list of work, covering a mixture of debt and equity deals.”

For complete results, please visit Chambers’ website.