Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton assists a broad spectrum of clients, from corporate issuers and financial institutions to clearing house and exchanges, be they domestic or international. The firm provides regulatory and legislative analysis relating to derivatives as well as advice on structuring, documentary and tax-related matters. It is also well equipped to advise clients in the development of novel derivatives templates and market protocols. These include digital assets, voluntary carbon credits and sustainability-linked derivatives. Michael Dayan, ‘one of the top lawyers in his field’, is greatly experienced in OTC derivatives matters as well as regulatory and insolvency issues affecting derivative products. He heads the practice alongside Deborah North, who is experienced in traditional and esoteric derivative products, including digital assets, crypto and carbon credit derivatives. The ’outstanding’ Clayton Simmons specializes in structuring, documentation, and regulatory work concerning OTC derivatives and securities-backed credit facilities as well as other structured products. Brandon Hammer is also noted for his work with major clients on regulatory and structuring work. All mentioned lawyers practice in New York.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I can't think of another law firm that is on par with CGSH in terms of its breadth of knowledge and ability to structure complex equity capital markets solutions.’
‘Cleary Gottlieb (particularly Brandon Hammer and Clay Simmons) are an excellent partner and adviser. They have excellent cross-border capabilities and their bankruptcy and regulatory expertise is a unique combination that makes their advice holistic, thoughtful, commercial and practical. Few firms have similar capabilities and none provide that feedback alongside such excellent client service.’
‘Able to marry deep industry knowledge, practical business judgment, and keen legal intellect to give advice.’
‘The individuals at CGSH are extremely knowledgeable and practical. In particular, Michael Dayan is one of the top lawyers in his field and his advice carries weight in negotiations with his peers.’
‘Brandon Hammer has been the key to the relationship. He is prompt, thoughtful, responsive, and a growing expert and leader in the space.’
‘Their team extremely responsive and good to deal with.’
‘Clayton Simmons in particular is a pleasure to work with and is hugely helpful in picking up new points quickly and getting to the bottom of what was important to our client.’
‘Clayton Simmons and Elizabeth Hamilton are outstanding.’
Key clients
- ARRC
- Bank of America
- Barclays
- Blackstone
- Citadel
- Citigroup
- Credit Suisse
- Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC)
- Goldman Sachs
- ISDA
- KBR Inc.
- Mantle Ridge
- Miami Holdings
- Morgan Stanley
- Mubadala
- RBC
- SIFMA
- SIFMA AMG
- Standard Charter
- Toronto Dominion
- Walgreens
- Wells Fargo
- Zimmer Biomet
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading lawyers
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Michael Dayan, Deborah North