Cleary Gottlieb Promotes 32 New Partners and Senior Attorneys in Historic Move
In a significant development, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP has revealed that it will promote
20 partners, 11 counsel, and 1 senior attorney, effective
January 1, 2026. This announcement marks the largest class of newly promoted senior lawyers in the firm’s history, increasing the count of its partners to
239, counsel to
51, and senior attorneys to
27.
Michael Gerstenzang, the Managing Partner of Cleary, commented, "Our talented team of lawyers is our greatest strength when it comes to successfully advising clients on their corporate transactions, capital raising, disputes, and antitrust issues. Our newly promoted partners, counsel, and senior attorneys exemplify our long tradition of excellence in client service."
He further emphasized the proven track records of the new appointees, stating that they possess the necessary insight, creativity, judgment, and practical experience to tackle today’s intricate legal and business hurdles. Jeff Karpf, who is set to become the new Managing Partner from January 1, 2026, expressed pride in the exceptional judgment and deep industry knowledge demonstrated by the promoted lawyers.
"What sets Cleary apart is our global tradition of excellence in client service and innovation, and this talented group reflects the foundational values of our firm," Karpf remarked.
This wave of promotions showcases Cleary Gottlieb's impressive geographical reach with newly appointed lawyers represented across major cities including
New York,
Washington, D.C.,
San Francisco,
São Paulo,
London,
Milan,
Paris,
Rome,
Brussels,
Cologne, and
Hong Kong. The firm provides cutting-edge legal advice across a range of sectors, representing leading corporations, investment funds, financial institutions, and governments globally.
New Partners and Counsel
The list of promoted partners and counsel reflects a diverse range of expertise:
- - In New York, notable promotions include partners such as Albert Alsaygh (Real Estate), Katie Gonzalez (Litigation and Arbitration), and Yulia Solomakhina (Capital Solutions and Private Credit).
- - The Washington, D.C. office adds new partners like Sami Al‑Marzoog (Intellectual Property Litigation) and Jay Kozak (Structured Finance).
- - San Francisco sees David Parish promoted to counsel in Capital Markets, while São Paulo welcomes Pedro Martini in the same capacity.
- - Over in Europe, Paul Kleist (London) and Paolo Bertoli (Milan) are among those attaining partner status.
The firm’s international scope and inclusive approach to promotions represent its commitment to fostering legal talent worldwide, ensuring the best possible services to clients.
Conclusion
The recent promotions not only highlight the firm's expansive growth but also reinforce its dedication to excellence in legal practices across the globe. As Cleary Gottlieb continues to push the boundaries of the legal profession, the firm's trajectory seems more promising than ever. With the blend of experience and youthful innovation embodied by the new partners, the firm is well-positioned to face future challenges head-on.
For more information about these promotions and Cleary Gottlieb’s services, you can contact Glorimar Perez in Public Relations at +1 212 225 3610 or via email.