Offering particular expertise on international trade law matters within regulated sectors, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton is regularly entrusted by multinational corporates, industrial players, and financial institutions. Heading the team is François-Charles Laprévote, who focuses on trade defence and regulatory matters. Vladimir Novak supports on foreign direct investment control matters. A further key contact is Wanjie Lin, who leads on FDI and FSR matters and elsewhere supports the team across international trade issues. Till Müller-Ibold left the firm in December 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Clarity in communication, willingness to collaborate, and ability to anticipate issues before they arise.’
- 'They are highly approachable, responsive, and invested in building long-term client relationships rather than taking a purely transactional approach.'
- ‘Exceptional technical ability with commercial awareness.'
- 'Long-term relationship building.’
- 'Deep industry knowledge, cross-border capability, and strong communication.'
- ‘Combines technical excellence with a pragmatic, client-first mindset.'
Key clients
- Ajinomoto
- Banque Degroof Petercam
- City Cycle
- LG Chem
- OCI
- Sova Capital Limited
- Valeo
Work highlights
Advising and representing Ajinomoto in connection with circumvention proceedings before the European Commission concerning the import of Glutamic Acid and Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) from Malaysia.
Representing Sova Capital Limited in connection with an application submitted to the Belgian administration of the Treasury to obtain a derogation from financial sanctions.
Representing OCI on the EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation aspects of the $3.6bn strategic sale of its entire equity stake (50% plus one share) in Fertiglobe to the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company.
Practice head
François-Charles Laprévote
Other key lawyers
Vladimir Novak; Wanjie Lin