Representing many public companies as defendants, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton utilises the lawyers’ knowledge to obtain final judgments in favour of their current clients. Roger Cooper leads the New York-based team. The firm has created a presence outside of North America, often working with clients based in Mexico. Victor Hou draws on experience gained as an Assistant US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and supports both domestic and multinational clients. Mark McDonald focuses his practice on securities and shareholder litigation. A new arrival to the team as of May 2025 is Breon Peace, who brings her knowledge from serving as United States attorney for the Eastern District of New York to the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The Cleary team has done a phenomenal job of understanding the complicated facts and related law involved in multiple securities class actions. They have helped us mount a vigorous defense at every stage of litigation.’
‘The Cleary team have been zealous advocates for the company. They know the issues involved in our cases better than anyone at the company, and it has been an immense relief to be able to rely upon them to capably manage the litigation on our behalf.’
‘Cleary has an excellent securities litigation practice led by Roger Cooper. I have worked with Cleary and Roger specifically, representing defendants in a series of securities class actions over the years. What most stands out are (1) Cleary's technical expertise, (2) Cleary's excellence in case strategy and management, and (3) Cleary's great collaboration. ’
‘Roger Cooper stands out to me from other securities litigators with whom I have worked. His technical knowledge of the securities laws is extensive. His approach to litigating complex securities class actions, often involving multiple defendants represented by multiple law firms, is very effective. And his collaboration with co-defendants is excellent -- improving the defense of the case not only for his client but for all defendants. ’
‘They are very thoughtful and calm in their approach. They do not rattle. Handles situations where the other side gets worked up effectively. ’
‘Roger Cooper effectively brings to bear the range of resources needed for a particular situation. He and his colleagues have a calm, deliberate approach. They keep the client informed and part of the process. ’
Key clients
- Assured Guaranty
- Banco Nacional de México, S.A., Institución de Banca Múltiple, Grupo Financiero Banamex
- Charles W. Scharf, CEO and President of Wells Fargo
- Compass Minerals
- Dentsply Sirona Inc.
- Genting Americas, Inc.
- Goldman Sachs
- Juul Labs Inc.
- Misto Holdings Corporation (f/k/a Fila Holdings Corp)
- OCI N.V.
- Polychain Alchemy, LLC
- Proterra Inc. and individual directors and officers of Proterra Inc.
Work highlights
In January 2025, Cleary Gottlieb achieved a decisive victory for Assured Guaranty when the New York Court of Appeals denied Lehman Brothers International (Europe) (LBIE)’s final appeal. This ruling marks the culmination of a complex, multi-year litigation that showcases Cleary’s expertise in high-stakes disputes
Cleary Gottlieb achieved a decisive victory for T-Mobile U.S. and its Board of Directors in February 2025 when the Delaware Supreme Court, sitting en banc, affirmed the Court of Chancery’s dismissal of a novel derivative lawsuit challenging the company’s cybersecurity practices.
Cleary Gottlieb successfully obtained a final judgment in favor of OCI N.V. with respect to a lawsuit filed by Proman USA (Beaumont) LLC in the Delaware Court of Chancery related to the parties’ rights under a joint venture agreement.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Roger Cooper
Other key lawyers
Victor Hou; Mark McDonald