The firm operates as one integrated, worldwide partnership with more than 550 lawyers and 1,300 employees worldwide. Committed to openness and collegiality, the firm is organized as a participatory democracy. All partners act on the admission of new members and other important firm matters.
All partners share in firm income based on seniority.
The firm's clients include multinational corporations and international financial institutions headquartered in the United States and abroad, sovereign governments and government entities, corporations and financial institutions having primarily a domestic focus, and individuals. Although each of Cleary Gottlieb's nine offices has its own practice, the firm frequently handles matters involving more than one office and parties from more than one country. In recruiting new associates, the firm targets women and men of all races and nationalities who possess superior intellectual abilities, share the firm's vision and values, and have the ability to become partners in the firm. Cleary Gottlieb offers an informal and collegial work environment that is accommodating to the individuality of its lawyers. New lawyers are encouraged to pursue their interests in one or more areas of the firm's practice to gain broad experience as a foundation for the development of sound legal judgment and superior lawyering skills.