In a significant development within the legal community, Breon Peace has returned to Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP as a partner and Co-Leader of the Litigation Group. This move comes after his impactful tenure as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York (EDNY), where he oversaw several high-stakes prosecutions that shaped corporate law and national security.
Peace's leadership during his term as U.S. Attorney was marked by a commitment to integrity and justice. He supervised a robust team of over 160 Assistant U.S. Attorneys, tackling a wide range of cases from complex fraud to violent gang prosecutions. His influence was felt not only in the courtroom but also in the development of national policies. Notably, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy, which has set new standards for how companies disclose potential criminal conduct.
Returning to Cleary, Peace expressed his excitement about leveraging his extensive experience to benefit clients facing challenging legal landscapes. "During my time at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, I had the immense privilege of working with an incredible group of talented and dedicated public servants," he stated. "I am excited to return to Cleary and help lead its world-class litigation and white-collar defense practices."
His prior experience at Cleary spans nearly two decades. He has a proven track record of handling significant matters, including the wide-ranging LIBOR investigations and high-profile cases like the Samarco dam collapse in Brazil. This extensive background positions him uniquely to advise clients on high-stakes litigation, regulatory enforcement, and compliance issues.
The legal sector is buzzing with anticipation at what Peace's return signifies for Cleary Gottlieb. Michael Gerstenzang, the firm’s Managing Partner, remarked on Peace's exceptional integrity and judgment, emphasizing the value he brings to clients navigating sensitive matters. With a roster filled with former federal prosecutors, Cleary’s litigation team is now even more formidable.
As part of his new role, Peace will not only lead litigation efforts but will also provide strategic guidance for internal investigations and compliance matters. His return underscores the firm’s commitment to maintaining a leadership position in the legal landscape, particularly in white-collar defense.
In conclusion, Breon Peace’s return to Cleary Gottlieb signifies a melding of public service and private practice expertise. His leadership is expected to inspire confidence among clients and reshape the approach to high-stakes legal matters. As the industry watches, one thing is clear: Breon Peace is back, and he means business.
