LAWYER PROFILE
Richard J Cooper

Richard J Cooper

Global 2026

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Ranked in 2 practice areas

About

Provided by Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP

Practice Areas

https://www.clearygottlieb.com/professionals/richard-j-cooper

Richard J. Cooper is one of the preeminent cross-border bankruptcy and restructuring lawyers in the United States and is the recognized leader in cross-border and sovereign restructurings involving companies and countries in Latin America and other emerging markets. His practice focuses on domestic and international corporate, municipal, and sovereign restructurings, as well as liability management and capital solutions transactions. Rich is known for his innovative work on behalf of institutional investors, creditors, corporate clients, government, state-owned entities, ad hoc creditor committees, and other parties in connection with in and out-of-court insolvency proceedings and complex financings, including rescue and DIP financings. He has advised clients involved in some of the most prominent and noteworthy restructurings and liability management exercises in and outside of the United States over the last two decades.

Career

Rich became a partner in 1995. J.D., Columbia Law School, M.Sc., University of London, London School of Economics and Political Science; B.A., Duke University.

Professional Memberships

Member of the Bar in New York

Bretton Woods Sovereign Debt Working Group

IIF Principles Consultative Group

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Global Guide

Banking & Finance - Latin America - International Counsel

Band 1
Band 1

Individual Editorial

Top-tier New York-based practitioner Richard Cooper enjoys a remarkable reputation for his work on innovative banking and finance matters, including restructuring mandates. The experienced practitioner boasts a solid track record acting on Latin American finance transactions, most notably those involving the Mexican market.

Banking & Finance (International Firms) - Brazil

Band 2
Band 2

Individual Editorial

Richard J Cooper is an experienced banking and finance practitioner, widely admired for his deft handling of high-value restructuring proceedings in Brazil. His notable expertise also covers other complex cross-border finance transactions in the field, including representing clients on the issuance of convertible secured debentures.

Banking & Finance - USA

Foreign Expert
Foreign expert in Latin America-wide

Individual Editorial
Top-tier New York-based practitioner Richard Cooper enjoys a remarkable reputation for his work on innovative banking and finance matters. The experienced practitioner boasts a solid track record acting on Latin American finance transactions, most notably those involving the Mexican market.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Richard Cooper is a tremendous attorney, the pre-eminent choice and my go-to counsel for any complex cross-border restructuring matters, particularly in Latin America.

    Banking & FinanceChambers Global Guide
  • Richard Cooper leads transactions impeccably, demonstrating his knowledge of complex matters.

    Banking & FinanceChambers Global Guide
  • Richard is always involved in the deals and is consistently professional. I’m a big fan of his work.

    Banking & Finance (International Firms)Chambers Global Guide
  • Richard J Cooper is highly skilled and truly beyond praise.

    Banking & Finance (International Firms)Chambers Global Guide
  • Richard J Cooper has deep expertise in Latin American restructurings.

    Banking & Finance (International Firms)Chambers Global Guide
  • He has outstanding legal expertise in the matters we’ve worked with him on in Latin America. He provides key aspects each clients needs in a brilliant lawyer - approachable, available and commercial.

    Banking & FinanceChambers Global Guide

Ranked Individuals at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP (176)

Africa-wide

Belgium

Brazil

  • Profile image of Francisco L Cestero
    Francisco L Cestero

    Banking & Finance (International Firms)

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  • Profile image of Richard J Cooper
    Richard J Cooper

    Banking & Finance (International Firms)

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