Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton is retained by issuers, banks, clearing hosues, sovereigns, exchanges, investors, and numerous other clients for its holistic derivatives practice, noted for its ability in ‘bridging practical commercial/transactional matters, regulatory and financial institution issues’. The team is particularly well-versed in developing novel products, and remains a cornerstone of the market for equity, commodity, interest rate and credit linked products, along with swaps, forwards and unconventional carbon credit, digital assets and ESG derivatives. Deborah North is frequently turned for her expertise in CFTC regulation and OTC derivatives clearing, offering great exence in representing both buy-side and sell-side clients. She co-heads the team with Clayton Simmons and Brandon Hammer, with the former leveraging considerable experience in securities-backed credit facilities, and the latter frequently assisting asset managers, hedge funds, banks and Fintech companies in a variety of regulatory, swaps, repurchases and collateral deals. Michael Dayan remains a cornerstone of the market for sophisticated OTC derivative products, and is often retained for his expertise in margin, commodities and securities regulatory queries and deals. Brian Morris is also a highly active member of the team. All lawyers mentioned are in New York.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Brandon Hammer, Clay Simmons and their respective practices are unique insofar as they provide holistic advice. They are able to advise on matters bridging practical commercial/transactional matters, regulatory and financial institution issues to bankruptcy and netting issues. This makes their practice unique insofar as it allows for a very comprehensive, one-stop-shop experience.’
‘Brandon Hammer and his associates (including Alec Mitchell) in particular are remarkably thoughtful, incredibly accessible and wildly efficient. They provide holistic and thoughtful advice with comprehensive market color and are able to bring in the appropriate experts quickly and efficiently. ’
‘What differentiates the team from a lot of their peers is their thorough, practical and consistent advice. When you get their advice, you have full confidence in it because they have thought of every angle, every detail and every legal theory. They are also strong advocates for their clients. ’
‘Clay Simmons is one of our top choices for equity derivatives. He is brilliant, creative, thoughtful and patient with his clients. He is a relentless advocate for his clients, but always in a polite and non-combative way. He knows what's important for his clients and when to let an issue go. Brandon Hammer is another partner we trust. Not only is he solid on the substance, but he is also incredibly responsive and extremely good and calm in crises. He always gives clear and concise guidance. ’
Key clients
- Antofagasta
- Apollo
- ARRC
- Bank of America
- Barclays
- Blackstone
- Brookfield
- Citadel
- Citigroup/Citibank
- Credit Suisse
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.
Brandon Hammer
Practice head
Deborah North; Clay Simmons; Brandon Hammer
Other key lawyers
Michael Dayan; Brian Morris; Alec Mitchell