With pronounced experience in Latin America–related arbitrations and state-side ISDS, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton houses a full service investment treaty and commercial arbitration group, frequently representing sovereign states and multinational corporates. Spearheading the group is Ari MacKinnon, who excels in energy and natural resources matters, Spanish-language proceedings, and for advising on procedural issues in Latin American arbitration. Jeffrey Rosenthal is a key player in arbitration-related court proceedings and enforcement, including post-award strategy and parallel litigation before US courts. Carmine Boccuzzi places strong emphasis on disputes involving foreign sovereign states and state-owned entities. Katie Gonzalez is a key member of the team. All lawyers mentioned are in New York.
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Profile
Position
Ari D. MacKinnon’s practice focuses on international arbitration in Latin America, with a particular emphasis on matters relating to the oil & gas, mining and infrastructure sectors, as well as ESG- and corruption-related issues.
Ari has successfully represented a number of major Latin American oil and gas, energy, infrastructure, and pulp and paper companies, as well as other clients in disputes in the region. He speaks regularly in Latin America on topics related to arbitration and crisis management. Ari has experience conducting arbitrations in both English and Spanish.
Career
Ari joined the firm in 2009 and became a partner in 2015. J.D., New York University School of Law (2006); M.A., Middlebury College (2006); B.A., Grinnell College (2002).
Memberships
Member, New York Bar.
Member, Program Committee, New York International Arbitration Center.
Member, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
Included on Arbitrator Roster, Arbitration Centre of the Lima Chamber of Commerce
Member, New York City Bar Association Council on International Affairs
Member, International Arbitration Club of New York
Member, Association of International Petroleum Negotiators
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Cleary’s technical capability is outstanding. The team stands out for its unparalleled expertise in complex cross-border matters and high-stakes international disputes. Team integration is highly efficient, enabling sophisticated coordination across jurisdictions. The lawyers are consistently fast, pragmatic, and deeply technical.’
‘Lisa Vicens and Jeffrey Rosenthal consistently stand out for their exceptional legal judgment, strategic insight, and client-focused approach. They combine deep technical mastery with clarity, responsiveness, and a strong understanding of commercial matters.’
Key clients
- Pluspetrol Resources Corporation, S.A.
- Thales Avionics, Inc. (U.S.A)
Work highlights
Represented a U.S. subsidiary of French aerospace company Thales S.A. in an ICC arbitration involving claims that its joint venture partner, subsidiary of L3Harris Technologies, Inc., breached the right of first refusal provision in the joint venture contract when agreeing to sell its interest in the joint venture to a third party.