#United States #Cleary Gottlieb #New York #Breon Peace #US Attorney

Breon Peace Returns to Cleary Gottlieb

In a significant development in the legal industry, Breon Peace, the former United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York (EDNY), has rejoined the prestigious law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP as a partner and Co-Leader of the Litigation Group. This announcement marks a new chapter in Peace's career, returning to the firm where he practiced for nearly two decades before his appointment to public office.

Background and Achievements

Breon Peace led one of the largest U.S. Attorney's Offices during his tenure, overseeing a diverse staff and managing cases that affected millions. His office was instrumental in numerous high-profile prosecutions, including significant corporate enforcement actions and cases related to national security. He was particularly known for his role in prosecutions involving fraudulent activities, cybercrime, and terrorist threats. Through his leadership, he developed policies that set national standards for corporate self-disclosure of criminal conduct, collaborating closely with other federal agencies to enhance the nation's legal framework in these areas.

Noteworthy Prosecutions

While serving as U.S. Attorney, Peace managed several notable prosecutions that captured public attention, one being the conviction of former Congressman George Santos on charges of fraud and identity theft. He also played a critical role in the conviction of singer R. Kelly for sex trafficking. Beyond these celebrity cases, he directed numerous significant corporate probes, tackling violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and major financial frauds. His investigations into cybercrime led to the arrest of hackers linked to the Chinese government, underscoring his commitment to combating international threats.

Return to Cleary Gottlieb

In his new role, Peace will focus on high-stakes litigation, regulatory matters, internal investigations, and compliance issues, further strengthening the firm's litigation and white-collar defense practices. Cleary Gottlieb’s Managing Partner, Michael Gerstenzang, expressed enthusiasm over Peace’s return, highlighting his integrity, extensive experience, and insight into both the private sector and public service. Peace’s reputation as a respected leader positions him as a tremendous asset to the firm and its clients.

As he transitions back into private practice, Peace is set to leverage his profound knowledge and legal acumen to guide clients through complex legal challenges. He has vowed to continue delivering high-quality legal representation and to help clients navigate their most sensitive legal matters.

A Lifetime of Legal Experience

Breon Peace began his legal journey at Cleary in 1996 and served as a law clerk for a federal judge before taking on roles as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. His deep-rooted experience in the legal realm, which includes significant positions on the Attorney General's Advisory Committee, highlights his longstanding commitment to improving legal processes and outcomes in the United States. Peace's track record garners him awards and recognition within the legal community, cementing his place among the leading attorneys of his generation.

Excited about the next chapter, he noted, “During my time at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, I had the immense privilege of working with an incredible group of talented public servants. I am looking forward to returning to Cleary and assisting in the representation of clients in the face of challenging circumstances.”

Conclusion

Breon Peace’s return to Cleary Gottlieb comes at a pivotal time as the firm continues to expand its footprint in litigation and white-collar defense. By integrating a lawyer with such substantial experience in both public and private sectors, Cleary Gottlieb is poised for continued success in addressing the intricate legal challenges that today’s businesses face.