LAWYER PROFILE

Francisco L Cestero

Global 2026

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP

Ranked in 2 practice areas

Banking & Finance (International Firms)

Brazil

4 years ranked

Corporate/M&A (International Firms)

Brazil

4 years ranked

About

Provided by Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP

Practice Areas

Francisco (Paco) L. Cestero is a lawyer of reference for international restructurings, capital solutions and corporate transactions in Brazil, having advised debtors, creditors, acquirors and funding providers on the most complex and litigious international restructurings and distressed financings by Brazilian debtors of the last decade.

Paco advises on both the transactional and tactical litigation aspects of restructurings and other corporate transactions. His extensive knowledge of the Brazilian and Latin American transactional and regulatory landscape enables Paco to provide comprehensive and effective guidance to clients about the multijurisdictional complexities that often arise in international transactions.

Paco has uniquely deep expertise in crafting creative and business-oriented solutions on behalf of debtors, creditors and other interested parties, and is praised for his shrewd tactical and negotiation skills. His interdisciplinary practice, which includes experience with complex, cross-border M&A and finance transactions in both Brazil and the rest of Latin America, allow him to create novel and holistic solutions for clients, effectively guiding them through the multifaceted issues that arise in crisis scenarios across emerging markets

Career

Joined firm, 1995; became partner, 2004. JD, University of Chicago Law School (1995); BA, magna cum laude, Yale University (1990).

Professional Memberships

New York Bar.

Personal

Languages: Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and English.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Global Guide

Banking & Finance (International Firms) - Brazil

Band 1

Individual Editorial

Francisco L Cestero is a well-established banking and finance practitioner, particularly active in international deals related to Brazil. A São Paulo-based partner, he is acknowledged for his precise legal work and expertise in high-complexity and high-value restructuring proceedings.

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Corporate/M&A (International Firms) - Brazil

Band 3

Individual Editorial

Francisco L Cestero, also known as Paco, is a key member of Cleary Gottlieb's respected São Paulo office. He is frequently seen handling high-value mergers and acquisitions and is noted by market participants for the variety of his corporate practice.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Francisco is extremely commercially-minded, which was a great asset to have on our side. He offered practical solutions, and we completed restructuring deals that were truly win-win.
Banking & Finance (International Firms)Chambers Global Guide
Francisco is outstanding, an exceptional lawyer with remarkable strategic ability. He consistently find solutions that meet the parties’ commercial interests.
Banking & Finance (International Firms)Chambers Global Guide
Francisco has a great ability to bring a practical perspective to complex matters.
Banking & Finance (International Firms)Chambers Global Guide
Francisco is a very experienced lawyer. He is responsive and always provides helpful and straightforward advice.
Banking & Finance (International Firms)Chambers Global Guide
Francisco is a lawyer who navigates the Latin American legal landscape - including Brazil - very naturally. He also transits the legal dynamics of Europe and the United States well.
Corporate/M&A (International Firms)Chambers Global Guide
Paco is a trusted legal partner of our company. He is available, highly professional and brings exceptional expertise. His broad perspective and well-rounded knowledge make him an invaluable asset.
Corporate/M&A (International Firms)Chambers Global Guide