Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton continues to make considerable progress in Latin America-related international arbitration, building on its immense reputation in the region. It represents a range of multilatinas, along with a number of foreign owned multinationals with local operations. Peru remains an especially active market for the New York international arbitration team, which has a primary focus on Latin America. Cases involving Paraguay, Argentina and Panama reflect the region's centrality to the practice group, while its track record reflects an emphasis on oil and gas, and mining and natural resources. Post M&A disputes have also been an especially buoyant area. The firm has an extensive record in commercial cases along with further expertise in investor-state disputes, primarily acting for investors, although it does have a strong connection to the Republic of Argentina. Ari MacKinnon is co-head of the international arbitration group and has a fine record in Latin America disputes. Jeffrey Rosenthal is another key partner for Latin America commercial and investor-state arbitration, along with arbitration-related court proceedings. Counsel Boaz Morag and associate Katie Gonzalez are also key team members. All named individuals are based in New York.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I am an independent arbitrator and I have seen the Cleary team in an international arbitration involving a Latin American transaction. The team was outstanding. The written advocacy, the oral advocacy, the cross-examination of witnesses and the conduct of the evidentiary hearing were outstanding.’
‘ The partner that handled the case was Jeffrey Rosenthal. He did a great job leading the team and conducting the arbitration. ’
Key clients
- Pluspetrol Resources Corporation
- The Republic of Argentina
- Vale
Work highlights
- Acted as counsel to Pluspetrol Resources in a Spanish-language ICC arbitration concerning the allegedly wrongful termination of a license contract for the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons at Block 8 in Peru.
- Successfully represented the Republic of Argentina in multiple lawsuits and defended the Republic’s interests across various US jurisdictions.
- Represented Vale in judicial enforcement proceedings relating to a $2bn LCIA arbitration award in a dispute arising out of a joint venture agreement governed by English law and concerning a West African project.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Ari MacKinnon