Cleary Gottlieb Wins Inaugural Client Service Award for Investment Funds; Achieves Outstanding Results in Chambers USA 2012

Cleary Gottlieb received the inaugural Client Service Award for Investment Funds at the 2012 Chambers USA Awards for Excellence.

The awards were announced on June 7 at a dinner in New York.

In addition, Cleary Gottlieb and many lawyers in the firm’s New York and Washington, D.C. offices were recognized in the just-released Chambers USA America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2012 guide. Chambers honored Cleary Gottlieb as one of the best law firms in the United States, with 34 top-ranked practices and 72 lawyers distinguished as leaders in their respective fields, many in more than one area of expertise.

The following Cleary Gottlieb practices were 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) and Antitrust: Cartel (Spotlight table) – “This Washington, DC-based group has secured a phenomenal reputation as a result of its adroit handling of both transactional regulatory work and high-profile, high-stakes antitrust litigation. The quality of its antitrust attorneys ensures it attracts regular work from prominent, household name clients … The team is also involved in one of the most prominent deals of the year … ‘Very smart, very creative, very good thinkers. Always looking for solutions to our problems, and they work well with us internally.’” 

Antitrust (D.C.) – “This group offers a combination of experience, skill, and broad-based antitrust expertise which continues to prove attractive to a host of marquee clients. … ‘It’s a group that really knows what it’s doing. They are results-oriented, they know how to get to where they want very quickly. They are creative, very analytical, and force the discussion to be a very sophisticated one.’” 

Banking & Finance (National) – “Cleary Gottlieb has had a busy year handling various acquisition finance transactions, and continues to enjoy a strong practice representing leading private equity firms, while also increasing its profile among new upcoming firms. … ‘Keen understanding of both the legal and commercial underpinnings of the debt market.’ ‘Great lawyers who are on top of everything and always a pleasure to work with.’” 

Bankruptcy/Restructuring (National) – “The New York-based Cleary Gottlieb group is noted for its capabilities in cross-border and international bankruptcies. A market leading sovereign debt practice forms an integral part of this. … ‘First rate, highest level of quality service.’” 

Bankruptcy/Restructuring (NY) – “The Cleary Gottlieb group comprises eight core bankruptcy and restructuring partners. The group has developed a tremendous reputation for its capabilities in cross-border and international bankruptcies. Drawing upon the firm’s internationally recognized banking and financial services expertise and resources, it is well positioned to undertake all manner of bankruptcy-related engagements. … ‘Superb, spectacular, creative and hard-working; they are real value-adders.’” 

Capital Markets: Debt and Equity (National) – “This firm has an enviable reputation for its SEC expertise and its international work, acting for Latin American and European clients on a wide range of US debt and equity offerings. The team has been working closely with clients on their recovery from the global economic crisis. … ‘Very robust for international work.’” 

Capital Markets: Derivatives and Capital Markets: Structured Products (National) – “Cleary is universally recognized as a market leader in the derivatives and structured products area. The firm has a highly impressive global reach and makes best use of its complementary capabilities in tax and insolvency. The group has amassed a wealth of collective experience and is held in especially high regard for its role as a regulatory adviser … It provides this cutting-edge counsel to a host of derivatives market participants and financial trade associations … ‘The lawyers deliver the highest level of legal services in the world.’” 

Capital Markets: Securitization (National) – “Cleary has impressive stature in the CDO and CLO space and is unique with regards to the interdisciplinary skill set of its lawyers. The team is respected for its advice on regulatory reform and, as the CLO market returns, is well prepared to take advantage of the foundations it has laid. … ‘Very fine lawyers; super bright.’” 

Corporate/M&A: The Elite (National) – “This East Coast firm works from both its DC and New York offices on a range of complex and high-profile international deals. The firm has one of the most enviable client rosters, ranging from financial institutions … to technology … The team certainly shines in the technology sector and … the telecommunications area has provided the firm with numerous major clients … ‘The team is run fairly leanly and candidly with a lot of partner involvement, which is exactly what I want.’ ‘They understand our business and industry.’” 

Corporate/M&A: The Elite (NY) – “This potent group can handle all manner of complicated corporate transactions and has a special niche in technology deals. … The team also has M&A expertise within the energy, life sciences and financial services sectors. … ‘Brilliant and impressive, really know their stuff. They have the people, the smarts and the technical skills.’” 

Corporate/M&A & Private Equity (D.C.) – “The corporate team here is a well-established group that represents leading national and multinational corporations, including numerous Fortune 500 companies and marquee names … It is composed of extremely knowledgeable and experienced practitioners covering SEC enforcement matters, IPOs and other securities transactions, and M&A deals. … ‘It is a professional service environment with smart people you can trust to get the job done. That’s why I keep going back there.’” 

Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation (National) – “New York stalwart Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton also enjoys a presence in DC. The group is seen as an excellent choice for corporations undergoing restructuring and the team is also well-positioned to advise on evolving benefits and compensation matters in the light of transactions. It has a strong following among significant clients from the financial sector … ‘They stay on top of the frequent changes in regulations and are able to provide smart, strategic advice.’” 

Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation (NY) – “This group is viewed as a leading light in the employee benefits and executive compensation domain, including ERISA matters. This makes it an attractive choice for high-profile clients … The firm advises investment groups, banks and companies on new regulations surrounding executive pay, disclosure and corporate governance. Recently the firm’s workload has included guidance on high-profile stock-drop cases and multijurisdictional pension plans. … ‘These attorneys are the A-team; we challenge them with complicated investment structures on a daily basis and they handle the work with ease.’” 

Energy: Metals & Mining (Transactional) (National) –“Cleary Gottlieb is acclaimed for its exemplary financial work, and its energy offering likewise shines on corporate matters. The energy and natural resources division advises clients around the world on many financial and corporate issues, such as M&A and insolvency/restructuring proceedings. The practice has continued to attach its name to some of the mining and metal industries’ major transactions. … It has also been active in oil and gas, and has advised industry giants on a variety of matters. … ‘The team as a whole is of a consistently high quality, from associate to partner. You can’t find that elsewhere. They are very well coordinated.’”

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) – “This firm continues to be involved in the most sophisticated matters in the financial services sector. The banking and financial institutions practice group is noted for its masterful understanding of the regulatory landscape, and is regularly appointed on groundbreaking, industry-defining issues. On the transactional front the firm has been particularly active in asset management matters … The firm is equally impressive in enforcement matters … The team is also a fine choice in the broker-dealer space, representing major financial institutions … and industry bodies … in the full range of high-end regulatory matters. … ‘The core team is exceptionally aware of commercial developments.’” 

International Arbitration (National) – “The strongly cohesive and integrated approach that Cleary offers is equally prevalent in the international arbitration practice group, and is highlighted by clients as being a distinct asset. The group is a recognized force in both investment treaty and commercial arbitration, and offers expertise across a wide range of industry sectors.” 

Investment Funds: Private Equity: Fund Formation (National) – “Current trends focusing on emerging markets and the internationalization of the industry play to Cleary’s key strengths in this space. Already a strong global player, the firm has been active this year in China, Latin America and Africa … Clients are impressed with the team’s creative approach to structuring as well as the depth of their expertise in pervasive regulatory matters. … ’Very smart, great problem solvers, incredibly commercial and they don’t take ridiculous positions on things. They are mindful of the fact that people need to get business done.’” 

Latin American Investment (NY) – “For several years Cleary has had an office in Buenos Aires, and in August 2011 it opened its second Latin American outpost in São Paulo, boosting its regional presence as well as supporting the core team in New York. The group handles a wide range of finance, capital markets, and M&A matters. … ‘Has the combination of dedication and expertise. I don’t see anyone who matches them.’ ‘Very easy to work with and clearly understands the various Latin American markets.’”

Litigation: General Commercial: The Elite (NY), Litigation: Securities (NY) and Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations (NY) – “This litigation stalwart comes particularly highly recommended for its deep understanding of the financial sector, based on the firm’s strong corporate and regulatory presence. The talented team of attorneys offers a wealth of former government experience which, in addition to the firm’s impressive international network, continues to attract numerous high-profile clients, including many large financial institutions. From white-collar criminal defense work and securities litigation to complex commercial disputes, the team skillfully handles the full range. … ‘Cleary is a general counsel’s dream, based on the approach they take, the depth of the team and experience; they really have the perfect blend.’” 

Private Equity: Buyouts (National) – “This team continues to advise on private equity deals across a wide range of sectors with a strong emphasis on cross-border transactions. In the past year, it has represented a variety of sponsors within the media and technology sector … ‘One of the finest financing practices in private equity.’” 

Projects: PPP (National) – “Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton’s eminent PPP practice is backed by the firm’s world-famous corporate finance capabilities. … Cleary’s lawyers have also been making waves in the development and financing of conventional and alternative energy projects. … ‘Our experience working with them has been great!’” 

Real Estate (National) – “This experienced team works seamlessly with the firm’s tax, mergers and acquisitions, finance and bankruptcy groups to represent owners and investors on a range of development, acquisition, disposition, financing, leasing and distressed asset work. … ‘I think they are fantastic. Someone on the team is always available to address our questions 24/7.’” 

Real Estate: Mainly Corporate & Finance (NY) – “This firm’s corporate and finance-focused real estate practice advises on some of the most complex transactions in the market. Its five partners in New York are widely praised by peers and clients alike for their deep expertise and businesslike, pragmatic approach to deals. The team is especially adept in dealing with real estate entities facing bankruptcy.” 

Securities: Litigation and Securities: Regulation (National) – “This blue-chip firm enjoys a fine reputation in the securities arena, combining an enviable level of expertise in regulatory and enforcement matters with a formidable litigation presence. … On the advisory side, the firm provides ongoing securities compliance advice as well as advice relating to transactions and internal investigations. … ‘The firm has a real strength in banking from the securities side.’” 

Tax: Corporate & Finance (National) – “Top drawer work on M&A, financial products, cross-border taxation and capital markets ensures that this group maintains its leading position for corporate tax work nationally. Strong expertise on tax policy serves to further round out the practice. Clients are particularly quick to commend its deep bench and describe it as a strong, diversified and well rounded team. … ‘They are very responsive, clearly understand the issues and have also been very proactive in trying to find resolutions to our case.’” 

Tax (NY) – “This excellent group has an established reputation for financial products work, and also offers superior counsel on M&A, corporate restructuring, capital markets, regulatory matters and tax controversies. Clients are quick to praise its strong ties with government decision-makers, and its subsequent strength in legislative matters. … ‘It continues to be a very strong, diversified and well-rounded team.’”

For complete details, please visit Chambers’ website.