Fielding a ‘very knowledgeable set’ of experienced lawyers, the Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton practice chiefly applies its sector-specific expertise to cross-border M&A in the tech, media, and life sciences spheres and maintains a roster of leading domestic and international corporations. The team is capable of handling a broad array of transactions, including complex joint ventures and all-cash sale transactions, with its recent caseload notably including the representation of Vale S.A. in a $26bn strategic partnership with Manara Minerals. Kimberly Spoerri specializes in complex spin-offs and minority investments, and Kyle Harris stands out for his work on divestitures. The ’strong and valued’ Paul Shim leverages extensive knowledge in the corporate field. Aaron Meyers primarily assists with private equity investments, while Kelsey Nussenfeld is also noted as key. In the Bay Area, Benet O’Reilly focuses on restructuring transactions, and Christopher Moore routinely handles transactions in the tech sector. All lawyers are New York-based unless otherwise mentioned. James Langston left the firm in May 2024, while Nickolas Bogdanovich left the firm in August 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Characteristics/uniqueness: Natural and appreciated collaboration with and highly respected by other third-party advisors, strong support for management and board, including anticipatory thinking and planning; also challenged board and management as needed. Professionalism at all times and excellent communicators — no drama, cool under pressure. Efficiently and seamlessly tapped into specialty areas of expertise at the firm beyond the immediate team/mission, including governance, employment law, M&A, activist investors and activism, regulatory, as needed. Humble, authentic, smart, experienced, nimble; strong values and integrity.’
‘Paul Shim - strong and valued leader and advisor on a range of matters, including corporate and personnel issues that few ever encounter. Paul is a deep thinker who brings significant experience and expertise to all kinds of complex problems and solutions. He reached out to expertise at the firm when problems or opportunities required additional background or specialized advice and did so in a way that was easy and seamless for the client. Always prepared, always available, professional, and worked well with everyone. Trust his judgment completely.'
‘Cleary is a full-service law firm that is capable of handling the most complex of deals and has an immediate response to any and all requests always through with a very knowledgeable set of experienced and seasoned lawyers that get the job done.’
‘I would like to highlight Kimberly Spoerri, who has been fantastic to work with in an interdisciplinary, time-sensitive transaction'.
Key clients
- Advent International Corporation
- Ardea Partners
- Barclays Investments
- BofA Securities
- CapitalG Investments
- Fomento Económico Mexicano S.A.B. de C.V.
- FullBeauty Brands
- Goldman Sachs
- Groupe Artémis
- OpenText
Work highlights
- Advised Vale S.A. in connection with Vale’s entry into a $26bn strategic partnership with Manara Minerals.
- Represented Summit Health-CityMD, a Warburg Pincus portfolio company, in a cash and equity sale to VillageMD that is valued at approximately $8.9bn.
- Advised Artémis on its agreement to acquire a majority stake in CAA, previously held by TPG, in a deal reported to be valued at $7bn.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Kimberly Spoerri
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Kyle Harris
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Kelsey Nussenfeld
Other key lawyers
Benet O’Reilly; Kimberly Spoerri; Paul Shim; Kyle Harris; Christopher Moore; Aaron Myers; Charles Allen; Kelsey Nussenfeld; James Hu