#USA #Cleary Gottlieb #New York #Managing Partner #Jeffrey Karpf

Cleary Gottlieb Announces New Leadership

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP has officially announced the election of Jeffrey Karpf as its new Managing Partner, effective January 1, 2026. Karpf succeeds Michael Gerstenzang, who held the position since 2017 and will transition to a senior leadership role as Senior Partner. This change marks a new chapter for the firm, bringing fresh perspectives to a well-established team.

Jeff Karpf has been with Cleary Gottlieb for over 30 years, consistently noted for his expertise in complex corporate and financial transactions, as well as corporate governance. His extensive experience has positioned him as a sought-after advisor for financial institutions, public corporations, and private capital entities. His deep involvement in capital markets and securities regulation has included advising clients on IPOs, equity offerings, debt placements, and various liability management transactions.

Throughout his career, Karpf has held numerous leadership positions within the firm. He has served two terms on Cleary's Executive Committee and has led the Corporate and Capital Markets practices. His election as Managing Partner signifies not only a culmination of years of dedication and commitment but also an exciting new phase for the firm as it continues to evolve.

In a statement, Karpf expressed his appreciation for the trust his partners have shown in him. He remarked, "Cleary has built an exceptional foundation of talent, culture, and client trust over many decades. I am deeply honored by the confidence my partners have placed in me. Building on Michael's accomplishments, I am committed to leading the firm through its next chapter by continuing to invest strategically in our people, deepening our client relationships globally, and embracing innovation to drive growth while enhancing how we deliver world-class legal services."

Under Gerstenzang's leadership, Cleary Gottlieb experienced remarkable transformation and growth, achieving record financial results while catering to some of the most sophisticated clients in the world. This period saw the firm expand its global presence into new markets and strengthen its main practice areas, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A), private equity, litigation, and antitrust matters. Moreover, the firm made significant strides in integrating technology, particularly artificial intelligence, into its operational framework.

Karpf emphasized that he intends to sustain this momentum and expand on the firm's capabilities in essential areas and regions for their clients. He stated, "Cleary's growth trajectory has been very strong, accelerating in recent years. I intend to build on that momentum as we deepen our capabilities in the areas and geographies that matter most for our clients, continuing to deliver exceptional results through Cleary's international platform."

Michael Gerstenzang, in his remarks about Karpf, highlighted his partner's exceptional leadership qualities, which align perfectly with the firm's client-centric culture. "I am enormously proud of what our firm has achieved during the past nine years. Today, Cleary is more dynamic and ambitious than ever. I am confident that Jeff's vision, experience, and leadership will continue to propel Cleary forward in the years ahead."

As Karpf prepares to step into his new role, the entire Cleary Gottlieb team looks forward to the innovations and strategic initiatives he will champion, driving the firm to new heights in the complex landscape of corporate law.