Cleary Gottlieb Expands Leading Executive Compensation, Employee Benefits and ERISA Practice in New York

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP announced today that Julia Petty has joined as a partner in the firm’s New York office, focusing on executive compensation and employee benefits.

“We are thrilled to welcome Julia to our firm,” said Cleary Managing Partner Michael Gerstenzang. “Cleary’s renowned executive compensation, employee benefits and ERISA practice assists the firm’s clients in structuring executive compensation and employment arrangements that achieve the delicate balance between executive, corporate, and shareholder interests. Julia’s broad ranging experience makes her an excellent addition to our talented team and will help us continue to deliver the highest-caliber service to our clients.”

Julia joins Cleary after a decade of advising clients on executive compensation and benefits matters in connection with domestic and cross-border transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, spin-offs and divestitures, public offerings, special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) and de-SPAC transactions and restructurings and other reorganizations. Julia’s experience also includes counseling clients on disclosure, governance, and shareholder issues related to compensation and benefits programs, with a focus on periods of corporate transition, including transaction preparation, leadership change, shifts in strategy and shareholder activism.

Cleary executive compensation, employee benefits and ERISA partner Michael Albano said, “Julia’s impressive resume and breadth of experience will help us strengthen our offerings to clients across industries and geographies. Her joining comes on the heels of the additions of partners Audry Casusol and Liz Dyer – underscoring our commitment to continued growth. We know Julia will be an invaluable asset to our team and our clients.”

“Given the increasing complexity of corporate transactions and constantly evolving regulatory environment, our team distinguishes itself by remaining at the forefront of critical issues so we can assist our clients in navigating them,” said executive compensation, employee benefits and ERISA partner Audry Casusol. “With her exceptional track record and versatility, Julia will further strengthen our incredibly talented team.”

“Cleary has a sterling reputation for advising a diverse mix of global clients on their most high-stakes and sophisticated transactions,” said Julia. “I’m excited by the firm’s collaborative approach and look forward to being part of this world-class team.”

Prior to joining Cleary, Julia was an executive compensation and benefits partner at a major international law firm. She received a J.D. from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law and a B.S.E. from the University of Pennsylvania.