Cleary Gottlieb Wins "Antitrust Firm of the Year" and "Tax Firm of the Year" at 2011 Chambers USA Awards
June 10, 2011
Cleary Gottlieb was named “Antitrust Firm of the Year” and “Tax Firm of the Year” at the 2011 Chambers USA Awards for Excellence. The awards were announced on June 9 at a dinner in New York.
In addition, Cleary Gottlieb and many lawyers in the firm’s New York and Washington offices were recognized in the just-released Chambers USA America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2011 guide. Chambers recognizes Cleary Gottlieb as one of the best law firms in the United States, with 33 top-ranked practices and 73 lawyers distinguished as leaders in their respective fields, many in more than one area of expertise.
The following Cleary Gottlieb practices are recognized for being among the best in the United States, based on Chambers’ interviews of the firm’s clients as well as lawyers at other firms:
Antitrust (National) – “‘The partners and associates are absolutely dedicated; they spend a lot of time getting to know our business and it means they are able to get to grip with matters really quickly,’ [sources say].”
Antitrust (D.C.) – “A full complement of antitrust skills is proffered by this team, which is lauded by market sources for the consistently high quality of its work.”
Banking & Finance (National) – “The group has recently broadened its practice scope beyond sponsor representation to include corporates and strategics, and has brought in additional finance partners from its overseas offices. … ‘Responsiveness is an important thing for us. If we need a team on the ground tomorrow morning, then Cleary Gottlieb delivers. They are extraordinarily responsive.’”
Bankruptcy/Restructuring (National) – “This New York-based group is one of the strongest practices in the U.S. for international and cross-border restructuring matters. It also receives high marks for bankruptcy matters requiring distressed M&A and securities expertise. … ‘Its client-service is exceptionally high; they are responsive, proactive and available twenty-four-seven.’”
Bankruptcy/Restructuring (NY) – “Cleary Gottlieb’s bankruptcy and restructuring group is renowned for its strength undertaking restructurings with cross-border and international aspects. … ‘The lawyers have a depth of bankruptcy knowledge which one would expect at a top-tier firm. However, setting them apart is their acute appreciation of complicated business issues.’”
Capital Markets: Debt and Equity (National) – “Cleary is an indomitable force in this sector, and leads in a range of securities transactions, compliance and disclosure issues. The group receives recognition for its depth, market insight and for its attorneys’ SEC experience, as well as for its international capabilities and reach. The firm also wins plaudits for its expertise in a variety of issuer and underwriter representations in public equity, Rule 144A private placements, and debt and convertible debt offerings.”
Capital Markets: Derivatives and Capital Markets: Structured Products (National) – “Cleary’s global network and prominence in areas such as derivatives tax, insolvency and securities regulation help its derivatives and structured products practices remain at the cutting edge of market developments. The group has been especially active in advising major derivatives market participants, as well as leading banks and dealers, on Dodd-Frank Act reforms.”
Capital Markets: Securitization (National) – “The firm has extensive experience in the CDO and CLO markets, and is also heavily involved in agency-backed mortgage transactions. It is particularly noted for its breadth across practice areas, and the resources available through its U.S. and international offices. … ‘One of the top law firms – it has all the resources we need.’”
Corporate/M&A: The Elite (National) – “Cleary Gottlieb is a pillar of the international market, its New York and Washington, D.C. teams often advising foreign entities entering the American market. The group has particular clout in the technology sector. … ‘The difference with Cleary Gottlieb is that they have very specialized experts for different areas of law on hand and will make sure you are using them. Different offices work seamlessly together.’”
Corporate/M&A: The Elite (NY) – “Cleary Gottlieb is a highly respected option for large-scale M&A and capital markets matters, particularly those involving international and cross-border elements. … ‘The lawyers look after clients’ interests and are a pleasure to work with.’”
Corporate/M&A & Private Equity (D.C.) – “This international practice works on transactions and private equity matters of a multijurisdictional nature and is often called upon by worldwide and foreign companies entering the US market to advise on the regulatory aspects of transactions, including CFIUS, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and sanctions issues.”
Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation (National) – “Solid New York player Cleary Gottlieb has a long-established practice representing financial sector clients. The firm is backed by a Washington, D.C. office and continues to assist high-profile, multinational corporate clients with M&A and corporate restructuring, as well as corporate governance issues. … ‘The firm speaks our language; it talks banking. I greatly enjoy working with these attorneys, as they are thoughtful and have an appreciation for the practical application of their advice.’”
Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation (NY) – “Executive compensation remains a pillar of this firm’s practice, as does its ERISA work in the investment space. … ‘This firm is probably the best at what it does in the USA. It’s hard to imagine a better group of people.’”
Energy: Metals & Mining and Energy: Oil & Gas (National) – “One of the strongest corporate firms in New York, Cleary Gottlieb handles transactional work for major clients, including those operating within the energy sphere. It has notable experience in M&A, finance and capital markets matters for domestic and international clients. When it comes to oil and gas, the firm has been retained for some of the largest and most complex transactions of the year.”
Financial Services Regulation: Banking (Compliance), Financial Services Regulation: Banking (Enforcement & Investigations), Financial Services Regulation: Broker Dealer (Compliance), and Financial Services Regulation: Financial Institutions M&A (National) – “Cleary remains a powerful force across the entire spectrum of matters in the financial services space. It has considerable bench strength when it comes to regulatory, enforcement and transactional elements of this sector. The team continues to be heavily involved in some of the industry’s most cutting-edge work, including complex, cross-border work. … ‘I highly value the time-sensitive, practical legal advice I have received, including in some very tricky situations. The lawyers have an extremely strong understanding of and sensitivity to business needs.’”
International Arbitration (National) – “Cleary Gottlieb’s U.S. and Europe-based teams frequently work in unison on matters as part of the wider integrated practice group. The practice is equally active and adept in commercial arbitration and investor-state arbitration work.”
Investment Funds: Private Equity: Fund Formation (National) – “The team is notably strong in regulatory issues and emerging markets, and clients benefit from the firm’s expansive global network.”
Latin American Investment (NY) – “Cleary Gottlieb has a distinguished track record in Latin America and its lawyers are well respected in the region. … ‘Ahead of the pack - it has more leading Latin America practitioners than anyone.’”
Litigation: General Commercial: The Elite (NY), Litigation: Securities (NY) and Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations (NY) – “This group is prized for its cross-practice approach, offering strong corporate, regulatory and finance expertise, and is recommended for its international capabilities, allowing for seamless client service. The group is widely respected for representing large financial institutions in complex civil litigation and securities-related litigation as well as regulatory and criminal matters. The team is praised for its diligent bench of attorneys and its client-focused approach. … ‘The group has terrific lawyers with the ability to handle significant litigation cases.’”
Private Equity: Buyouts (National) – “Cleary continues to build upon the breadth and depth of its private equity practice. The team is also expanding its international presence, to provide a comprehensive service for clients who are increasingly active around the globe. … ‘The lawyers are incredibly responsive, particularly given the firm’s growing number of deals and client relationships. We always come first with them.’”
Projects: PPP (National) – “New York giant Cleary Gottlieb fields one of the most prominent finance practices in the U.S. Its talented team adopts a multidisciplinary approach to transactions, advising not only on project development and finance but also on M&A and private equity matters. It has a strong presence in emerging markets, particularly Latin America, where it advises sponsors on power, oil and gas, mining and infrastructure projects. The firm is perhaps best known, though, for its involvement in PPP-related work. … ‘The firm is so great to work with! The lawyers have a cooperative attitude and take pride in coming up with creative and innovative structures.’”
Real Estate: Mainly Corporate & Finance (NY) – “This team continues to provide distressed real estate investments and innovative loan restructurings, while actively advising clients on new lending and development projects.”
Securities: Litigation and Securities: Regulation (National) – “The team at Cleary is often at the cutting edge of legal developments in the securities area. It is seen as highly competent in its regulatory advice, corporate governance advice and ability to handle complex investigations and enforcement actions. … ‘I find the lawyers to be pragmatic, extremely responsive and deeply experienced in SEC matters.’”
Tax: Corporate & Finance (National) – “A tremendous name in corporate tax nationally, this superior group excels at handling financial products, M&A, restructurings, bankruptcies and cross-border matters. Clients praise its comprehensive knowledge of regulations and in-depth understanding of government. … ‘Superstar tax lawyers that are as good as anybody on the globe.’”
Tax (NY) – “This financial products titan maintains its leading position in the market due to a deep bench of exceptionally experienced practitioners. The team also advises on tax planning, corporate restructurings, M&A, capital markets and legislative and regulatory work. … ‘With some real superstars, this is the most homogeneously high-quality bench in the business.’”
For complete details, please visit Chambers’ website.
In addition, Cleary Gottlieb and many lawyers in the firm’s New York and Washington offices were recognized in the just-released Chambers USA America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2011 guide. Chambers recognizes Cleary Gottlieb as one of the best law firms in the United States, with 33 top-ranked practices and 73 lawyers distinguished as leaders in their respective fields, many in more than one area of expertise.
The following Cleary Gottlieb practices are recognized for being among the best in the United States, based on Chambers’ interviews of the firm’s clients as well as lawyers at other firms:
Antitrust (National) – “‘The partners and associates are absolutely dedicated; they spend a lot of time getting to know our business and it means they are able to get to grip with matters really quickly,’ [sources say].”
Antitrust (D.C.) – “A full complement of antitrust skills is proffered by this team, which is lauded by market sources for the consistently high quality of its work.”
Banking & Finance (National) – “The group has recently broadened its practice scope beyond sponsor representation to include corporates and strategics, and has brought in additional finance partners from its overseas offices. … ‘Responsiveness is an important thing for us. If we need a team on the ground tomorrow morning, then Cleary Gottlieb delivers. They are extraordinarily responsive.’”
Bankruptcy/Restructuring (National) – “This New York-based group is one of the strongest practices in the U.S. for international and cross-border restructuring matters. It also receives high marks for bankruptcy matters requiring distressed M&A and securities expertise. … ‘Its client-service is exceptionally high; they are responsive, proactive and available twenty-four-seven.’”
Bankruptcy/Restructuring (NY) – “Cleary Gottlieb’s bankruptcy and restructuring group is renowned for its strength undertaking restructurings with cross-border and international aspects. … ‘The lawyers have a depth of bankruptcy knowledge which one would expect at a top-tier firm. However, setting them apart is their acute appreciation of complicated business issues.’”
Capital Markets: Debt and Equity (National) – “Cleary is an indomitable force in this sector, and leads in a range of securities transactions, compliance and disclosure issues. The group receives recognition for its depth, market insight and for its attorneys’ SEC experience, as well as for its international capabilities and reach. The firm also wins plaudits for its expertise in a variety of issuer and underwriter representations in public equity, Rule 144A private placements, and debt and convertible debt offerings.”
Capital Markets: Derivatives and Capital Markets: Structured Products (National) – “Cleary’s global network and prominence in areas such as derivatives tax, insolvency and securities regulation help its derivatives and structured products practices remain at the cutting edge of market developments. The group has been especially active in advising major derivatives market participants, as well as leading banks and dealers, on Dodd-Frank Act reforms.”
Capital Markets: Securitization (National) – “The firm has extensive experience in the CDO and CLO markets, and is also heavily involved in agency-backed mortgage transactions. It is particularly noted for its breadth across practice areas, and the resources available through its U.S. and international offices. … ‘One of the top law firms – it has all the resources we need.’”
Corporate/M&A: The Elite (National) – “Cleary Gottlieb is a pillar of the international market, its New York and Washington, D.C. teams often advising foreign entities entering the American market. The group has particular clout in the technology sector. … ‘The difference with Cleary Gottlieb is that they have very specialized experts for different areas of law on hand and will make sure you are using them. Different offices work seamlessly together.’”
Corporate/M&A: The Elite (NY) – “Cleary Gottlieb is a highly respected option for large-scale M&A and capital markets matters, particularly those involving international and cross-border elements. … ‘The lawyers look after clients’ interests and are a pleasure to work with.’”
Corporate/M&A & Private Equity (D.C.) – “This international practice works on transactions and private equity matters of a multijurisdictional nature and is often called upon by worldwide and foreign companies entering the US market to advise on the regulatory aspects of transactions, including CFIUS, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and sanctions issues.”
Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation (National) – “Solid New York player Cleary Gottlieb has a long-established practice representing financial sector clients. The firm is backed by a Washington, D.C. office and continues to assist high-profile, multinational corporate clients with M&A and corporate restructuring, as well as corporate governance issues. … ‘The firm speaks our language; it talks banking. I greatly enjoy working with these attorneys, as they are thoughtful and have an appreciation for the practical application of their advice.’”
Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation (NY) – “Executive compensation remains a pillar of this firm’s practice, as does its ERISA work in the investment space. … ‘This firm is probably the best at what it does in the USA. It’s hard to imagine a better group of people.’”
Energy: Metals & Mining and Energy: Oil & Gas (National) – “One of the strongest corporate firms in New York, Cleary Gottlieb handles transactional work for major clients, including those operating within the energy sphere. It has notable experience in M&A, finance and capital markets matters for domestic and international clients. When it comes to oil and gas, the firm has been retained for some of the largest and most complex transactions of the year.”
Financial Services Regulation: Banking (Compliance), Financial Services Regulation: Banking (Enforcement & Investigations), Financial Services Regulation: Broker Dealer (Compliance), and Financial Services Regulation: Financial Institutions M&A (National) – “Cleary remains a powerful force across the entire spectrum of matters in the financial services space. It has considerable bench strength when it comes to regulatory, enforcement and transactional elements of this sector. The team continues to be heavily involved in some of the industry’s most cutting-edge work, including complex, cross-border work. … ‘I highly value the time-sensitive, practical legal advice I have received, including in some very tricky situations. The lawyers have an extremely strong understanding of and sensitivity to business needs.’”
International Arbitration (National) – “Cleary Gottlieb’s U.S. and Europe-based teams frequently work in unison on matters as part of the wider integrated practice group. The practice is equally active and adept in commercial arbitration and investor-state arbitration work.”
Investment Funds: Private Equity: Fund Formation (National) – “The team is notably strong in regulatory issues and emerging markets, and clients benefit from the firm’s expansive global network.”
Latin American Investment (NY) – “Cleary Gottlieb has a distinguished track record in Latin America and its lawyers are well respected in the region. … ‘Ahead of the pack - it has more leading Latin America practitioners than anyone.’”
Litigation: General Commercial: The Elite (NY), Litigation: Securities (NY) and Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations (NY) – “This group is prized for its cross-practice approach, offering strong corporate, regulatory and finance expertise, and is recommended for its international capabilities, allowing for seamless client service. The group is widely respected for representing large financial institutions in complex civil litigation and securities-related litigation as well as regulatory and criminal matters. The team is praised for its diligent bench of attorneys and its client-focused approach. … ‘The group has terrific lawyers with the ability to handle significant litigation cases.’”
Private Equity: Buyouts (National) – “Cleary continues to build upon the breadth and depth of its private equity practice. The team is also expanding its international presence, to provide a comprehensive service for clients who are increasingly active around the globe. … ‘The lawyers are incredibly responsive, particularly given the firm’s growing number of deals and client relationships. We always come first with them.’”
Projects: PPP (National) – “New York giant Cleary Gottlieb fields one of the most prominent finance practices in the U.S. Its talented team adopts a multidisciplinary approach to transactions, advising not only on project development and finance but also on M&A and private equity matters. It has a strong presence in emerging markets, particularly Latin America, where it advises sponsors on power, oil and gas, mining and infrastructure projects. The firm is perhaps best known, though, for its involvement in PPP-related work. … ‘The firm is so great to work with! The lawyers have a cooperative attitude and take pride in coming up with creative and innovative structures.’”
Real Estate: Mainly Corporate & Finance (NY) – “This team continues to provide distressed real estate investments and innovative loan restructurings, while actively advising clients on new lending and development projects.”
Securities: Litigation and Securities: Regulation (National) – “The team at Cleary is often at the cutting edge of legal developments in the securities area. It is seen as highly competent in its regulatory advice, corporate governance advice and ability to handle complex investigations and enforcement actions. … ‘I find the lawyers to be pragmatic, extremely responsive and deeply experienced in SEC matters.’”
Tax: Corporate & Finance (National) – “A tremendous name in corporate tax nationally, this superior group excels at handling financial products, M&A, restructurings, bankruptcies and cross-border matters. Clients praise its comprehensive knowledge of regulations and in-depth understanding of government. … ‘Superstar tax lawyers that are as good as anybody on the globe.’”
Tax (NY) – “This financial products titan maintains its leading position in the market due to a deep bench of exceptionally experienced practitioners. The team also advises on tax planning, corporate restructurings, M&A, capital markets and legislative and regulatory work. … ‘With some real superstars, this is the most homogeneously high-quality bench in the business.’”
For complete details, please visit Chambers’ website.