Cleary Gottlieb Elects Michael Gerstenzang Managing Partner

Cleary Gottlieb announced that Michael Gerstenzang has been elected Managing Partner, effective January 1, 2017.

Michael will succeed Managing Partner Mark Leddy.

Michael is a leader in organizing and advising private investment funds, including buyout funds, international funds, growth funds, special situations funds and other types of “alternative asset” investment vehicles. He joined the firm’s New York office in 1992 and became a partner in 1999. From 1994 through 1996, he was resident in the Brussels office.  Michael’s work on behalf of prominent global alternative asset managers has been broadly recognized, and he has long been ranked in Band 1 by Chambers & Partners in the fund formation area. Michael will continue his practice and will remain an active member of Cleary’s private investment funds team.

“Michael is a truly accomplished lawyer who deeply values the firm’s founding principles of collegiality, legal excellence and democratic governance,” said Mark Leddy. “In his 24 years at Cleary, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional character, leadership and intellect. He embodies the internationalism that is at the core of our firm, and he will provide strong leadership as Cleary continues its tradition of innovation in the service of our clients around the world.”

“I am looking forward to taking on this new role,” said Michael. “As a firm, Cleary is focused on meeting the needs of our clients and strengthening our position as a global leader in providing innovative, pragmatic advice in complex situations. Accomplishing these goals requires a deep understanding of our clients’ business objectives and the environment in which they operate, and a commitment to client service as a core principle. For me, and for my colleagues at the firm, this approach is energizing and exciting.”

“Mark has set the standard for excellence during his tenure as Managing Partner,” added Michael. “Under his guidance, the firm has grown thoughtfully, broadening our practice and expanding our global footprint while maintaining our culture, structure and values. During Mark’s tenure, and thanks to his leadership, we have increased our already strong commitment to the critical goals of diversity and inclusion across the firm. It is an honor to succeed Mark, and to continue his vision for supporting our lawyers and staff in each of our 16 offices in providing advice on the most high-stakes legal and business matters.”

Prior to joining Cleary, Michael served as law clerk to the Honorable Frank X. Altimari of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and as a legal assistant to the Honorable Richard C. Allison at the Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal in The Hague. He received his J.D. from Columbia Law School and his B.S. from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University.

Mark Leddy, who joined the firm as a partner in 1986, became Managing Partner in 2011 and has maintained an active practice that focuses on U.S. and European antitrust law.