Practices

Public International Law

Cleary Gottlieb is currently representing or has represented no fewer than 13 sovereigns or sovereign instrumentalities from around the world -- including Argentina, Russia, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Mexico, Belgium, Gibraltar, the Republic of the Congo, Slovenia, Japan, Indonesia and Iraq -- as well as several of the world’s leading multinational corporations and financial institutions in international litigation and arbitration matters involving public international law. Our team has frequently been involved in state-to-state disputes and disputes involving international organizations. For example, we represented Japan in the Southern Bluefin Tuna Case brought by Australia and New Zealand under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and have represented the Bank for International Settlements in various litigation and arbitration matters. We have also represented respondent states in proceedings brought before the European Court of Human Rights.

What Others Say About Our Practice

A Leading Firm for International Arbitration
Benchmark Litigation: The Definitive Guide to America's Leading Litigation Firms and Attorneys (2013)

“This firm’s PIL group is regularly retained by sovereigns, international organisations, state-owned entities and multinational companies worldwide. It is well equipped to handle both investment treaty arbitrations and state-to-state cases, and is best known for its involvement in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States.”
Chambers Global (2013)

“This international firm has a respected public law team in Belgium which is especially recognised for its state aid expertise. The team also advises public and private bodies on the structuring and organisation of PPP projects under both Belgian and EU law. ‘Outstanding quality, technical and legal skills, and a perfect knowledge of both national and international regulations.’”
Chambers Europe (2013)

“This team offers the full spectrum of PIL advice, including dispute resolution, international human rights law, sovereign matters and state succession. It advises multinational corporations, financial institutions and sovereigns with regard to PIL matters and is recognized for its extensive experience in Eastern Europe.”
Chambers Global (2012)

“The group attracts significant domestic and international clients, who value its strength at both a local and global level. ‘Impressive, precise and concise.’”
Chambers Europe (2012)

"This firm has PIL expertise spread across its network of offices, including Paris, New York and London. It is most notable for its investment treaty arbitration work … 'Has a strong all-round practice for sovereigns which provides many opportunities to get involved in PIL matters.'"
Chambers Global (2011)

"Provides first-class service."

"In the past twelve months, the team has noticed a particular growth in bilateral investment treaty arbitrations, which have become a major part of its practice. The team is renowned for its strong multi-jurisdictional and multidisciplinary approach, sharing matters between offices and individuals."
Chambers Global (2010)

"The firm is a strong favorite with numerous European government bodies."
Chambers Europe (2010)

"[Cleary Gottlieb's] global reach and reputation for service 'has been uniformly terrific.'"
The Legal 500 (2010)