Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton has a comprehensive restructuring and insolvency practice, allowing the firm to advise clients across the US, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia on domestic and cross-border transactions. Jointly leading the practice are Richard Cooper, who focuses on cross-border restructuring and liability management exercises in the US and Latin America, and Sean O’Neal, who negotiates and documents transactions and advises debtors and creditors on litigation strategies. David Botter assists distressed companies and major creditor groups in the healthcare, transport, and energy sectors. Thomas Kessler acts as US counsel in non-US-based restructurings and acts as lead counsel in Chapter 15 proceedings. Joshua Brody has extensive experience assisting with credit and other funds on capital solutions and special situation transactions. Other key names include Lisa Schweitzer, Luke Barefoot, and Jane VanLare. All lawyers mentioned above are based in New York.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Great teamwork and delegation between Sean O’Neal, Luke Barefoot, and Jane VanLare. They are very responsive to client requests for more detailed.’
‘Honesty, approachability, and candor.’
‘We worked with two team members of the Cleary team. They gave an excellent representation of the firm. Their professionalism was first-rate throughout.’
‘Luke Barefoot and his associate, Timothy Wolfe, were exceptional in their understanding of US bankruptcy law and brilliant to work with. Outstanding service, attention to detail, impressive in their command of their trade and cooperative.'
'Luke Barefoot was very well prepared for cross-examination in the English court and was a persuasive legal expert who came across as a compelling and helpful witness for the court.'
‘They are a group of capable, intelligent, empathetic, kind, and enthusiastic people. Truly, Cleary attorneys are some of the nicest and smartest people I've ever worked with. Their character is what sets them apart.’
Key clients
- Genesis Global Holdco, LLC
- Goldman Sachs
- Braskem
- Braskem Idesa
- Coinbase
- Equniox Group
- Exela Technologies
- Odebrecht Engenharia e Construção S.A.
- Whitebox Advisors
- Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
Work highlights
Advised Exela Technologies Inc., as parent of various operating subsidiaries owing more than $1.2 billion, and the largest secured creditor, in the Chapter 11 proceedings of ETI’s subsidiaries.
Represented an ad hoc cross-holder group of secured bondholders and DIP Lenders of Azul S.A. (Azul), comprised of more than 20 leading financial institutions and some of the largest U.S.-based hedge funds, in the Chapter 11 prearranged capital solution and restructuring of Azul.
Assisted an ad hoc group of secured 2026 noteholders and holders of a majority of GOL Equity Finance 2024 unsecured bonds in connection with the Chapter 11 proceedings of GOL Linhas Aereas S.A.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Richard Cooper; Sean O’Neal
Other key lawyers
Thomas Kessler; Joshua Brody; Lisa Schweitzer; Luke Barefoot; Jane VanLare; Timothy Wolfe; David Botter