Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton has a market leading Latin America practice with a significant presence in banking and finance, particularly debt restructurings, bankruptcies, special situations and private credit transactions. It remains at the forefront of the Mexico and Brazil markets with additional strong trajectories in Argentina, Chile, and other growing markets such as Paraguay and Bolivia. The firm has worked on a series of major new money financings in Brazil, including private credit financings. It represents an impressive range of Latin American financial institutions, state-owned entities and major companies, along with financial sponsors and bondholders. The firm and the Latin America team also continue to standout for sustainability-linked credit facilities and ESG-related transactions. Richard Cooper is a clear leader in Latin America debt restructurings and bankruptcies, including Chapter 11 cases; he is particularly known for debtor and bondholder representations, especially in Brazil and Mexico. Sao Paulo-based Francisco Cestero has made a considerable impression on the market, having represented clients in a series of landmark and market-defining financings, restructurings and bankruptcies; this included acting for Samarco in connection with its restructuring proceedings and lawsuits filed by its creditors involving over $10bn of debt. Carina Wallance was elected to the partnership in January 2025 and also has a background in Latin America restructurings and refinancings. Adam Brenneman left the firm in May 2025. All named individuals are based in New York.