Established in 1946 by six dynamic and prominent attorneys – Leo Gottlieb, George Cleary, Henry Friendly, Fowler Hamilton, Mel Steen, and George Ball – the law firm of Cleary Gottlieb Steen and Hamilton has rapidly advanced forward using the progressive vision of its founding fathers. The founding fathers of the internationally-recognized firm belonged to diverse backgrounds and had different interests and skills, and this trend has continued in the modern day Cleary Gottlieb Steen and Hamilton LLP. Operating using a unique business model of single, integrated global partnership, the firm has strategically expanded by hiring the best legal minds in and outside the U.S. and opening fourteen independent offices on four continents. Each office has its own practice, but depending on a client’s complex problem, full support of all the offices of Cleary Gottlieb Steen and Hamilton LLP can be counted on to deliver comprehensive, prompt, and innovative services.
Diversity is a core value at Cleary Gottlieb Steen and Hamilton LLP; the firm’s power is in its talented lawyers who are part of the legal team irrespective of gender, race, religion, or ethnicity. They bring their unique perspectives, interests, and skills to the firm just like the firm’s founding fathers. Using a client-focused approach, diversity, openness, and individuality, the firm has built itself an impeccable reputation. Its clients include not only corporate giants in the U.S. but also sovereign governments and international financial organizations. It was recognized for its exceptional services by being awarded the inaugural International Law Firm of the Year by Chambers & Partners.
Pro bono work is a key feature at Cleary Gottlieb Steen and Hamilton LLP. Each and every attorney at the firm is committed to using his/her expertise in solving the legal problems of people who cannot afford. Over 70,000 hours are spent by the attorneys of the firm annually in the area of pro bono and public welfare work all over the world.