Cleary Gottliebs Statement on the Ahmaud Arbery Verdict

On Wednesday, November 24, 2021, Cleary Gottlieb Managing Partner Michael Gerstenzang shared the following message with firm personnel.

A short time ago, a jury in Brunswick, Georgia convicted Travis McMichael, Gregory McMichael and William “Roddie” Bryan Jr. of murdering Ahmaud Arbery in February 2020.

The circumstances of this case, including graphic video footage and the initial delay in filing charges, added further pain to the ongoing conversation around anti-Black racism and the fight for racial and social justice in the United States. And the outcome of the case cannot fully address the loss suffered by Mr. Arbery’s family and loved ones.

As a firm, our commitment to anti-racism, allyship and protecting individual rights has never been stronger. We remain deeply mindful of acts of violence committed against many in our society on the basis of their color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation and gender identity.

We will continue to prioritize our work to create a more diverse, inclusive and equitable community, while remaining humble about the progress we still need to achieve. These efforts play a central role in Cleary’s values, priorities and culture.

We’re also proud of the impactful Pro Bono work that we have led this year in response to the violence, hate and discrimination that have unfortunately continued to impact communities across the globe. I want to thank everyone who has dedicated their time and talent to these efforts, and to those who have shown generosity through donations to organizations that are working hard to fight against violence and discrimination.

Thank you again for the part you play in our Cleary community, and for the understanding, compassion and support you provide to each other.

Michael