Widely considered one of the leading US-based international litigation practices, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP is a key contender for complex, high-profile cases worldwide. With impressive strength spanning tortious interference, breach of fiduciary duty, and negligence, members of the team are adept at representing domestic and multinational financial institutions, as well as international organisations and trade associations across all industries. The team also has extensive experience in the anti-terrorism space. Team head Carmine Boccuzzi is based in New York, and frequently defends major investment banks and corporations, as well as disputes including foreign states. Boccuzzi has recently led on securing victories for Bosch in the high-profile Volkswagen emissions claims. In the same office, Jared Gerber and Roger Cooper both have expertise in securities litigation, while Jeffrey Rosenthal acts on a wide range of disputes spanning joint venture disputes, financial valuation, and bilateral investment treaty matters. Lina Bensman acts on ‘bet-the-company’ disputes and class actions, focusing on complex civil litigation across states and internationally.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'CGSH litigation practice is astonishing. Lawyers are extremely responsive, with full knowledge about the matters involved in the case. CGSH has a historical presence in Latin America litigation. The team knows how to work in the region, adjusting to the particularities of each jurisdiction, while many other firms simply try to apply US litigation practice as if it were universal, damaging the clients interests.'
- 'Talented attorneys; careful written advocacy; excellent oral advocacy; practical perspective on disputes and on the issues.'
- 'Jeffrey Rosenthal led the Cleary team. He is talented oral advocate; measured in his approach; forceful in his delivery; extremely knowledgeable on the legal and factual issues. An excellent advocate.'
Key clients
- Allergan
- Assured Guaranty
- BHP Group Limited
- BNP Paribas
- Calvyn Gardner
- Citigroup
- Compass Minerals
- Genting Americas, Inc.
- HSBC, Citibank, Credit Agricole, BNP Paribas, and BNYM
- Republic of Iraq
Work highlights
Successfully representing Assured Guaranty (“AGFP”) in arguing the appeal, and winning, following a full trial victory (following five-week bench trial) in an action brought by Lehman Brothers International (Europe) (“LBIE”) in New York state court, defeating LBIE’s claim for more than US$1 billion (originally US$1.4 billion).
Scoring major victories for Robert Bosch GmbH and Robert Bosch LLC (Bosch) since fall 2015, when Bosch became embroiled in massive litigations around the country, following Volkswagen’s admission that it employed Bosch engine control units to cheat on government emissions tests in diesel vehicles.
Scored several major victories for BNP Paribas in Anti-Terrorism Act, Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, Alien Tort Statute, and related lawsuits based on the banks’ guilty pleas to sanctions and related violations involving transactions with the EU, Cuba, Iran and/or Sudan.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Carmine Boccuzzi; Roger Cooper
Other key lawyers
Jared Gerber; Jeffrey Rosenthal; Lina Bensman