Breon Peace has rejoined Cleary Gottlieb as a partner and Co-Leader of the Litigation Group, after serving as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York (EDNY). During his time with the EDNY, he led a staff of over 160 Assistant U.S. Attorneys, addressing significant cases that included high-profile prosecutions for fraud, identity theft, national security, and corporate misdeeds. His leadership involved overseeing notable cases such as those against former Congressman George Santos for fraud and singer R. Kelly for sex trafficking.
Breon has had a pivotal role in shaping national corporate enforcement policies, such as the Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy, which encourages companies to report potential criminal conduct in exchange for certain benefits. This initiative set vital standards for corporate accountability, reflecting his commitment to strengthening legal frameworks while fostering a cooperative relationship between the public and private sectors.
His previous experience at Cleary spans nearly two decades, during which he has handled numerous significant enforcement matters and litigation projects, including investigations surrounding the Samarco dam collapse and global banking cases relating to LIBOR and foreign exchange practices.
Breon’s return to Cleary is celebrated by the firm’s leadership, with Managing Partner Michael Gerstenzang stating that his wealth of experience will be an invaluable asset to clients facing complex legal challenges. This sentiment is echoed by Victor Hou, who praised Breon’s exceptional track record as a leader and communicator in the legal field.
At Cleary, Breon will support the firm’s litigation and white collar defense practices, bringing an impressive array of experience from the U.S. Attorney’s Office into private practice. His expertise, along with the firm’s roster of former federal prosecutors, positions Cleary to provide top-tier legal services to clients involved in high-stakes litigation and regulatory issues.
Breon’s career achievements have been recognized through accolades such as being named the 2024 Trailblazer of the Year by the Metropolitan Black Bar Association and being included in the Most Influential Black Lawyers List in 2018. His extensive legal background, combined with his success in public service, underscores his reputation as one of the leading lawyers of his generation.
This development highlights a noteworthy trend in the legal industry where professionals with substantial public service experience are returning to private practice, indicating a blending of insights from both sectors that can enrich client representation and lead to more effective legal advocacy.