Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton advises a diverse global client base on executive compensation and employee benefits matters, including complex cross-border mergers, acquisitions, and restructurings. The firm is highly active in high-profile transactions, recently advising GSK on its $1.4bn acquisition of Aiolos Bio and General Mills on its $2.1bn of its US and Canadian yogurt businesses. The team frequently collaborates with corporate, tax, and regulatory specialists to address issues such as incentive structuring, retention planning, and ERISA compliance. With a proven track record of guiding clients through sensitive compensation negotiations, the firm continues to support major players across industries, including financial services, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods. Practice leaders Michael Albano  and Julia Petty  bring deep expertise in complex deal structuring and regulatory compliance, with Albano particularly recognized for his work in private equity compensation.Petty, based in New York, regularly advises on high-stakes corporate transactions and shareholder activism matters.