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Cleary Gottlieb Strengthens UK Antitrust Bench With White & Case Partner Hire

By  |  October 28, 2025

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton has made an addition to its London competition litigation practice with the appointment of Raif Hassan, formerly a partner at White & Case. The firm announced his arrival in its London office on October 28, describing the move as a step in bolstering its antitrust capabilities in Europe.

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    According to a statement, Hassan joins Cleary as a competition litigation partner, bringing experience in cross-border commercial disputes, class actions, and arbitration. His practice has included high-stakes competition cases and private damages actions, reflecting the firm’s ongoing focus on complex, multi-jurisdictional litigation.

    The hire comes as Cleary continues to expand its London operations, which have become a hub for the firm’s global disputes and private capital work. The London office, established in 1971, now includes about 130 lawyers, among them 38 partners. Per statement, Hassan’s arrival is seen as “pivotal” given the surge in collective action activity across Europe.

    Read more: White & Case Promotes Three Antitrust Lawyers to Partner as Part of 2026 Class

    The announcement coincides with Cleary’s largest-ever round of senior promotions. The firm has elevated 20 lawyers to the partnership globally, including litigator Paul Kleist and private equity specialist Joanna Roberts in London. The promotions, effective January 1, 2026, bring Cleary’s total partner count to 239, alongside 51 counsel and 27 senior attorneys.

    According to the firm’s leadership, the promotions highlight its commitment to talent development and global collaboration. Managing partner Michael Gerstenzang noted that Cleary’s strength lies in its lawyers’ expertise across corporate transactions, capital markets, disputes, and antitrust matters. Incoming managing partner Jeff Karpf emphasized that the newly promoted partners embody the firm’s “global tradition of excellence in client service and innovation.”

    Source: CDR News