Cleary Gottlieb reveals its new managing partner
Cleary Gottlieb has elected a new managing partner.
On Monday, the firm announced that private equity attorney Michael Gerstenzang has been elected as the firm’s new managing partner. Gerstenzang, whose term will begin on Jan. 1, 2017, replaces Mark Leddy, who has led the firm since 2011.
“Michael is a truly accomplished lawyer who deeply values the Firm’s founding principles of collegiality, legal excellence and democratic governance,” said Leddy in a press release. “In his 24 years at Cleary, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional character, leadership and intellect. He embodies the internationalism that is at the core of our Firm, and he will provide strong leadership as Cleary continues its tradition of innovation in the service of our clients around the world.”
Gerstenzang made his reputation in the private equity field, representing some of the giant funds including he Blackstone Group, KKR & Co, and TPG Capital Management. Before joining Cleary Gottlieb, he was a clerk to Judge Frank Altimari of the New York-based 2nd U.S. Court of Appeals. He also worked as an assistant to Judge Richard Allison of the Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal in The Hague. Gerstenzang praised Leddy for his leadership and said he was looking forward to taking over the reins of the firm.
“As a firm, Cleary is focused on meeting the needs of our clients and strengthening our position as a global leader in providing innovative, pragmatic advice in complex situations,” Gerstenzang said in the press release. “Accomplishing these goals requires a deep understanding of our clients’ business objectives and the environment in which they operate, and a commitment to client service as a core principle. For me, and for my colleagues at the Firm, this approach is energizing and exciting.”
According to the American Lawyer, the selection process has been going on for a month, as Leddy and members of the executive committee met with each of the firm’s partners to see if there was a consensus pick as Leddy’s successor. Once Gerstenzang emerged as the choice, the formal election became academic, the American Lawyer reported.
“I doubt I will ever tell somebody what to do,” Gerstenzang told the American Lawyer. Instead, he said that his job will be to serve as “listener-in-chief” for the diverse, 1,200-plus lawyer firm.
