Cleary Gottlieb Named Top Law Firm in 2025 Legal 500 Green Guides for Latin America, UK, and US

Cleary Gottlieb has been recognized as a leading law firm in the 2025 editions of The Legal 500 Green Guide for Latin America, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

In the Latin America guide, the firm excels in advising clients in Brazil on significant transactions that support the green transition. It shows expertise in sustainable finance, particularly in integrating environmental factors into sovereign debt. Partner Juan Giráldez received recognition as a leading individual.

In the UK guide, Cleary is noted as a top advisor on green aspects of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), antitrust, and corporate regulatory work. Senior counsel Maurits Dolmans was acknowledged as a leading individual.

In the U.S. guide, Cleary has substantial experience in sustainable finance, capital markets, and corporate governance. Partners Francesca Odell, Jeff Karpf, and Helena Grannis were acknowledged as leading individuals.

The Legal 500 Green Guides spotlight firms that support a green transition and address climate change and sustainability. Cleary’s global ESG and sustainability practice understands the importance of environmental, social, and governance issues for companies, organizations, financial institutions, and investors. The firm supports clients in achieving sustainability goals while adhering to evolving regulations and stakeholder expectations. Learn more about Cleary’s ESG practice here.

What are the key considerations for companies when integrating ESG factors into their financial strategies?

Interview with Juan Giráldez, Partner at Cleary Gottlieb

Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Juan. Cleary Gottlieb has recently been recognized in the 2025 editions of The Legal 500 Green Guide across Latin America, the UK, and the US. What do you think has contributed to this recognition, particularly in the Latin America guide?

Juan Giráldez: Thank you for having me. Our recognition reflects not only our commitment to sustainable finance but also our deep understanding of the complex dynamics within the markets we serve, especially in Brazil. We focus on significant transactions that promote the green transition, and our expertise in integrating environmental factors into sovereign debt has set us apart in this space.

Interviewer: It’s impressive to see Cleary’s impact in such areas. Can you elaborate on the specific challenges and opportunities you encounter when advising clients on sustainable finance in Brazil?

Juan Giráldez: Brazil is a land of abundant natural resources and immense potential for green investments, but it also comes with regulatory challenges and diverse stakeholder interests. We help our clients navigate these complexities, identifying opportunities that align their financial goals with sustainability efforts. Our role is to ensure they meet evolving regulations while remaining competitive.

Interviewer: Shifting gears to the UK guide, Cleary has been noted for its work on the green aspects of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). What trends are you observing in this area?

Juan Giráldez: The trend is clear: investors and corporations are increasingly factoring in ESG considerations when pursuing M&A. There’s a growing recognition that a company’s sustainability profile can affect its long-term value. We help clients assess these risks and opportunities, conducting thorough due diligence that incorporates environmental assessments into the deal-making process.

Interviewer: That makes a lot of sense. Turning to the US guide, Cleary has been recognized for its expertise in sustainable finance and corporate governance. How does this align with your overall ESG strategy as a firm?

Juan Giráldez: Our ESG strategy is to integrate sustainability into all facets of our legal practice. In the US, we advise companies not just on compliance but on best practices in governance that align with their sustainability goals. Our aim is to support clients in building resilience through responsible business practices, which is increasingly vital for their success.

Interviewer: It sounds like Cleary’s global ESG and sustainability practice is making a substantial impact. What do you believe are the key drivers of change in the legal landscape when it comes to sustainability?

Juan Giráldez: The key drivers are stakeholder expectations, regulatory changes, and the undeniable impact of climate change. Investors are demanding transparency and accountability, while regulations are evolving to ensure that companies are held responsible for their environmental impact. We see this as an opportunity for companies to leverage sustainability as a competitive advantage rather than just a compliance burden.

Interviewer: Thank you for these insights, Juan. As the demand for sustainable practices continues to grow, what advice would you give to companies looking to improve their ESG initiatives?

Juan Giráldez: My advice would be to develop a clear understanding of the ESG landscape relevant to their business, engage stakeholders early in the process, and embed sustainability into their core strategies. Transparency and genuine commitment are crucial; it’s not just about compliance, but about creating lasting value for the organization and the society in which it operates.

Interviewer: Thank you, Juan, for sharing your thoughts and insights on Cleary Gottlieb’s achievements and the evolving landscape of sustainable finance.

Juan Giráldez: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important topic.

Explore the full Legal 500 2024 Green Guide: Latin America here.

Check out the full Legal 500 2024 Green Guide: United Kingdom here.

View the full Legal 500 2024 Green Guide: United States here.