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Latin America: International firms
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International arbitration

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Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton

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Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton continues to secure victories in complex commercial and investment treaty arbitrations. The firm boasts a prominent group of lawyers who are proficient in Spanish and Portuguese, allowing them to handle a range of arbitrations. The team is capable of acting as counsel to both investors and states in investment treaty proceedings in matters relating to energy, oil and gas. Ari MacKinnon, co-head of the firm's international arbitration practice, has successfully represented Pluspetrol Peru Corporation and others against a Peruvian buyer of gas in winning an award valued at over $130m in an ICC arbitration. Jeffrey Rosenthal focuses on general commercial arbitrations and has represented both foreign and domestic entities before a range of arbitral bodies. Carmine Boccuzzi has successfully represented the Republic of Argentina in multiple lawsuits across various US jurisdictions, while Katie Gonzalez, who was raised to the partnership in October 2025, has experience counselling both sovereign and private clients. Elisa Zavala is a key associate in the team. All named lawyers are based in New York.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The practice is distinguished by its efficiency and quality of service. The team is comprised of highly qualified attorneys with extensive experience in various areas of law. Their ability to work collaboratively and their commitment to excellence are some of the strengths that set them apart from other firms.’

  • ‘Attorneys like Katie Gonzalez and Jeffrey Rosenthal are known for their dedication and exceptional skills. Each brings a unique combination of experience and knowledge that strengthens the team and ensures positive results for clients.’

  • ‘The Cleary team is one of the global top-tier teams that has an outstanding reputation when it comes to LatAm work. They are gifted with multilingual teams and are very strategic. They know how to win the most difficult cases, but they remain very down-to-earth people. A class in its own. ’

  • 'The partners are skilled advocates with expertise in international arbitration. The associates are hardworking and attentive to detail at hearings. They present as a well-managed and efficient team.'

  • 'Jeffrey Rosenthal has a wealth of experience as a litigator and an international arbitration practitioner. As a result, he submits well-crafted written advocacy and also conducts the evidentiary hearing with great oral skills. He is measured in his approach and inspires the confidence of the tribuna.'

  • ‘Katie Gonzalez is someone to watch; definitely partner material! ’

Key clients

  • Pluspetrol Resources Corporation
  • The Republic of Argentina
  • Vale
  • Telecom Italia International N.V and Telecom Italia

Work highlights

Counsel to Pluspetrol Resources Corporation, S.A. (“PRC”) in a Spanish-language ICC arbitration concerning the allegedly wrongful termination of a license contract for the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons at Block 8 in Peru.
Successfully representing the Republic of Argentina in multiple lawsuits and defending the Republic’s interests across various US jurisdictions.
Representing Vale S.A. in judicial enforcement proceedings with regard to a $2bn unanimous an LCIA arbitration award from an arbitration seated in London in a dispute arising out of a joint venture agreement governed by English law related to a West African project.

Practice head

Ari MacKinnon

Other key lawyers

Jeffrey Rosenthal; Carmine Boccuzzi; Katie Gonzalez; Elisa Zavala