Cleary Gottlieb Continues Peerless Performance in Chambers Latin America 2010 Guide

Cleary Gottlieb achieved unparalleled results in the just-released 2010 edition of Chambers Latin America. The guide spotlights Cleary Gottlieb as one of the best international law firms in Latin America with six leading practices. Cleary Gottlieb is the only firm ranked in the top tier for both capital markets and corporate/M&A for the overall Latin America category. The firm also ranked in the top tier for banking & finance for the overall Latin America category, a new practice area added to this year’s guide, and capital markets overseas counsel in Brazil. Fifteen partners were recognized as “leading individuals” in their respective practice areas.

The following Cleary Gottlieb practices are recognized for being either 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 – “The group tackles a wide range of banking matters in Latin America, including acquisition finance and general syndicated lending, through its New York office. Peers describe the team as ‘absolutely top-tier – you don’t get much better than these uniformly excellent lawyers.’ Clients are impressed by the lawyers’ depth of knowledge, and their ability to pre-empt issues and provide ‘efficient, constructive advice of an extremely high standard.’”

Capital Markets – “For an overwhelming majority of market observers, Cleary represents the gold standard of capital markets practices in Latin America: ‘In terms of volume, diversity and excellent work, the firm has markedly distanced itself from its competitors.’ Longevity is just one of the factors that set this group apart: ‘It has been around forever, and has been exposed to most types of securities transactions across the entire region.’ … In terms of expertise, the firm enjoys a tremendous reputation for sovereign and quasi-sovereign issues, but sources agree that it is ‘simply the best counsel across disciplinary lines,’ including IPOs, SEC-registered offerings, regulatory capital transactions, liability management and SEC reporting obligations.”

Corporate/M&A – “Cleary Gottlieb is one of the finest outfits currently operating in the region and is noted for its long-term commitment to Latin America and a securities and finance practice that is second to none. Sovereign wealth funds provide a flow of work that feeds a deep bench of talented and well-organized lawyers, and the firm is the first choice for advice on financing and debt restructuring. ‘You can always depend on what the lawyers at Cleary say; they get to know our company and the region inside-out. The finished product is always of the highest quality,’ clients say.”

International Arbitration – “This team works closely with the firm’s Latin America corporate group and has a strong track record in related disputes, especially sovereign debt and investment treaties.”

Projects – “This New York-based practice has an impressive reputation in the region, particularly for infrastructure and power transactions in Brazil, Peru and Chile. The ‘responsive and experienced team’ advises a good range of clients, and is praised for its ‘solid insight into clients’ needs’ and ‘sound, creative approach.’”

Capital Markets: Overseas Counsel (Brazil) – “This international outfit is renowned for its excellent corporate finance practice that covers debt, equity, securitisations, loans and M&A.”