Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton combines impressive capabilities through its large Parisian based team that retains top EU and US law expertise and its complementary leading US and UK based expertise. The firm assists many leading French companies acting as issuers as well as underwriters and is also very involved advising leading French banks on their own T1 and T2 issuances. The busy practice advises on the update of large US, EMTN and Japanese bond programmes and consecutives offerings, and on large and sophisticated stand-alone issuances including US Sec registered and Rule 144A offerings. Additionally, the practice is also a key adviser to several African states for their sovereign EU and US bond offerings. The high-profile team is co-headed by Valérie Lemaitre and US law expert Frédéric Martin who was promoted to partner in 2025. Other key names include senior counsels and international DCM transactions experts Andrew Bernstein, John Brinitzer, Barthélemy Faye (who advises African sovereign entities), and counsel Laura Birene.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘A dynamic team with solid knowledge, very proactive and efficient.’
- ‘A team that is always available and very solution-oriented.’
- ‘Expertise technique et experience.’
- ‘Valérie Lemaître and Laura Birène always find solutions adapted to specific needs and constraints.’
- ‘Laura Birène: dedication and high level of technical expertise. Valérie Lemaitre: skills and responsiveness. Frédéric Martin: dedication, technical expertise, and knowledge of US law.’
- ‘The team is of an excellent standard. They are very responsive and ready to provide advice and services, striving to help clients to fully understand issues.’
Key clients
- Vivendi
- Publicis Groupe
- CMA CGM
- OVH Groupe SA
- Edenred
- ArcelorMittal
- Council of Europe Development Bank
- BNP Paribas
- Crédit Agricole Assurances S.A. (CAA)
- Crédit Agricole S.A.
- Banque Fédérative du Crédit Mutuel (BFCM)
- Compagnie de Saint-Gobain (the banks)
Work highlights
Advised Crédit Agricole Assurances in its first offering of EUR 750million perpetual super subordinated “Restricted Tier 1” Notes.
Advised OVH Groupe SA in connection with its debut high-yield bond offering, as part of OVH’s diversification of its sources of funding.
Advised the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire in an international dual-tranche sovereign bond offering, including $1.75 billion 8.075% amortizing notes due 203andan inaugural local currency issuance of XOF220 billion 6.875% notes due 2028.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Valérie Lemaitre; Frédéric Martin
Other key lawyers
Andrew Bernstein; John Brinitzer; Barthélemy Faye; Laura Birene