Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton has a lean team that consistently lands major domestic and cross-border restructuring mandates. The US-based team is particularly known for its expertise in international matters, particularly Chapter 11 processes involving Latin American companies. The restructuring group has also developed deep expertise in key sectors such as cryptocurrency, aviation and financial institutions; the firm continued to advise crypto lender Genesis Global Capital on its landmark chapter 11 plan, which involved returning cryptocurrency assets to creditors on an in-kind basis without dollarizing the crypto claims. It remains further noted for its bankruptcy litigation expertise. Richard Cooper has an outstanding record in cross-border restructurings, particularly those involving Latin America-based companies. Sean O’Neal (‘the master of deal-making and negotiating complex commercial deals and settlements’) has made a further impression, particularly in leading the team on the Genesis Global Capital Chapter 11 plan. David Botter retains an active creditor-side focused practice, especially acting for bondholder ad hoc groups and creditors’ committees. Lisa Schweitzer is another hugely experienced practitioner, as are Luke Barefoot and Jane VanLare. All are based in New York.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Cleary's team is global and covers all key jurisdictions and practice areas. I worked on a very complex case that involved multiple jurisdictions and across different products invoking commercial and litigation legal needs. The Cleary management was always able to provide the needed expertise and provide the guidance and legal advice to resolve matters and move the case forward.'
‘Sean O'Neal: he is an expert in bankruptcy law and strategies. Sean is the master of deal-making and negotiating complex commercial deals and settlements. He built an amazing culture within the bankruptcy practice at Cleary and that reflects very well on the outcome and timely delivery of projects. Jane VanLare works very effectively alongside clients to understand matters of concern and provide the best legal framework to resolve them. Luke Barefoot is an expert litigator and understands the bankruptcy law very well. Luke delivers results and consistent in achieving quality outcomes. ’
‘David Botter and Lisa Schweitzer are tremendous. They guide the team through complex issues and get to the right answers efficiently and effectively.’
‘Clear, concise direction. Excellent strategic foresight.’
Key clients
- Genesis Global Holdco
- Samarco Mineração
- Goldman Sachs
- Equinox Group
- Mubadala Investment Company
- AMERRA Capital Management
- Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
- Operadora de Servicios Mega
- Canyon Capital Advisors
- Bitgo
Work highlights
Represented Genesis Global Capital in its Chapter 11 restructuring proceeding involving over $5bn in liabilities.
Represented Samarco Mineração in its restructuring of over $10.1bn of debt, including the Chapter 15 proceeding granting recognition of its Brazilian restructuring process.
Represented the ad hoc committee of hybrid bondholders in connection with the multi-jurisdictional restructuring of SAS (owner of Scandinavian Airlines), with total liabilities of $5.4bn.
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
Richard Cooper; Sean O’Neal; Lisa Schweitzer
Other key lawyers
David Botter; Luke Barefoot; Jane VanLare