Cleary Gottlieb Recognized as an Elite Firm in Chambers USA 2026

Cleary Gottlieb continues to earn exceptional recognition as an elite law firm in the latest edition of the prestigious Chambers USA.

Cleary received 50 practice rankings, 13 of which were top-tier and 121 lawyer rankings, 25 of which were top-tier, in the 2026 guide.

Chambers USA, which covers the top lawyers in the United States in nationwide and regional rankings, including California, New York, and Washington, D.C., cited a wide range of client and competitor commentary about Cleary’s experience across practices, industries, and regions.

Feedback from clients and peers included:

• Antitrust: “Cleary’s antitrust team stands out for its exceptional technical quality and deep substantive command of antitrust law, consistently delivering precise and rigorous analyses aligned with the highest international standards.”
• Artificial Intelligence: “Cleary Gottlieb are deeply knowledgeable and attuned to recent developments, staying on top of the legal landscape and business trends.”
• Bankruptcy/Restructuring: “Cleary is flexible, proactive and at the bleeding edge. They advise on insolvency risk in the most esoteric situations.”
• Capital Markets: Debt & Equity: “Cleary is proactive in coming up with business-friendly solutions, meticulous in its work product and excellent at facilitating win-win results.”
• Corporate/M&A: “Cleary’s responsiveness and work product distinguish it. Cleary has extremely bright people who are able to both guide and perform at the highest level.”
• Corporate Crime & Investigations: “Cleary Gottlieb has unique expertise due to having its ear to the ground in all developments from a regulatory point of view and significant experience dealing directly with regulators for a broad array of clients.”
• Corporate Governance: “They’re top-notch lawyers who have seen almost everything and can provide detailed, practical advice.”
• Derivatives: “The range of experts in the field make Cleary a one-stop shop. The team has expert transactional support, regulatory advice, insolvency and jurisdictional advice that can all be pulled together within the firm in no time.”
• Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation: “The firm is very commercial, responsive and is able to cut through the complications.”
• FCPA: “Cleary is well recognized in global markets. They are flexible in adjusting depth according to client needs.”
• Financial Services Regulation: Banking (Compliance): “They are fast, reliable and practical in their advice.”
• International Arbitration: “Cleary’s department stands out for its ability to handle complex, high stakes disputes with strong cross-border coordination and strategic clarity. The team combines significant depth at partner level with a strong and technically capable associate bench and they are consistently responsive, accessible, and proactive. Communication is clear and timely, even in fast-moving, high stakes matters involving multiple jurisdictions.”
• International Trade: CFIUS Experts: “Cleary Gottlieb’s team stands out in the industry due to its exceptional combination of deep legal expertise and a highly pragmatic, strategic and business-focused approach. Its lawyers’ guidance is not only legally sound but also incredibly client-centric. They are highly responsive and manage the process smoothly, working professionally and effectively.”
• Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations: “They are the best I’ve seen in terms of navigating dynamics and coming up with creative solutions.”
• Mining & Metals: “The law firm provides sharp, assertive analysis, with deep knowledge of the law and creative solutions.”
• Private Equity: Buyouts: “Cleary stands out for its excellent client service. It goes above and beyond.”
• Real Estate: “Cleary is particularly strong in combining legal excellence with commercial pragmatism, ensuring that advice is not only technically sound but also strategically aligned with business objectives.”
• Tax: “Cleary has invested time and effort over years to develop a deep understanding of our organization including our priorities and sensitivities. I am impressed at how it continues to invest in this relationship in a way that few other firms do.”

To view the firm’s full rankings, click here.