Cleopatra Leahu
Deputy Managing Partner

With over 23 years of legal experience, Cleopatra Leahu is well versed in international commercial law, particularly in the energy & natural resources field and international arbitration, having advised and represented private clients in several high-profile cases. Cleopatra is particularly proficient in the natural resources field, being recognized for her ability to devise tailored structures which helped companies preserve their titles and navigate the permitting process for major new developments. She also acted as leading lawyer in complex M&As and contract negotiations, as well as in intricate permitting processes for major new developments, often in the face of intense scrutiny. Her additional areas of expertise are Public Procurement and regulatory compliance, including Environmental law.

Cleopatra is 10 years ranked by Chambers Europe in Energy & Natural Resources and nominated by GAR 100 for her arbitration practice. She is also ranked as Highly Regarded in Energy & infrastructure, Mergers & Acquisitions and Project Development, and was declared a Woman Leader by IFLR 1000. Legal 500 EMEA ranked Cleopatra as a  Leading lawyer in Energy & Natural Resources and Commercial, Corporate and Mergers & Acquisitions. 

Selected representative experience

Assisting Romgaz in relation to the acquisition of the entire stake held by ExxonMobil in Neptun Deep offshore project in the Black Sea from ExxonMobil and project development.

Assisting FORD in connection with the sale of its automotive manufacturing plant in Craiova to Ford Otosan.

Advising Hunt Oil on the transfer of business for its Romanian gas exploration and production activity.

Advising on the environmental compliance matters for Vega Refinery, including on permitting, regulatory, and contract issues.

Representing a major international group operating in the energy sector in ICC arbitration arising out of a Joint Operating Agreement (AIPN standard) related to a petroleum concession.

Advising a leading international provider of facilities solutions to the oil & gas production industry, in connection with the sale of its Romanian business and exit from the production enhancement contract concluded with the largest Romanian oil and gas group.

Advising SABMiller in relation to the sale of its Romanian subsidiary and operations to Asahi Brewewries Japan.

Representing  an offshore petroleum operator in Romania in ICC arbitration arising from a petroleum concession agreement.

Representing a major international group operating in the energy sector in ICC arbitration arising out of an onshore petroleum concession agreement.

Representing a world leader in the construction field in an ICC arbitration regarding a major infrastructure project based on a FIDIC contract.

Accolades

Cleopatra Leahu is “arguably one of the best oil and gas lawyers in the country”. Legal500

“Cleopatra Leahu is a client-oriented and an excellent communicator.” Chambers Europe

“Cleopatra Leahu regularly assists high-profile oil and gas companies with a host of matters pertaining to the Romanian energy market, including permitting processes and transactional regulatory compliance issues. Interviewees view her as a "very impressive" practitioner who "does an incredible job" in her handling of mandates.” Chambers Europe

Cleopatra is acclaimed for her “effectiveness and client service. She understands the business and it is a good experience to work with her”. Chambers Europe

Cleopatra Leahu is recognized for her energy and natural resources knowledge, and has notable experience advising mining companies on operational issues, as well as assisting parties in the oil and gas industry with a variety of issues. She is described by her clients as “very good – she understands our business and the challenges we face”. Chambers Europe

„Cleopatra fully understands our contract and provides very quick turnaround which is important in a fast-moving deal. Her knowledge of Romanian and EU law are unparalleled.” IFLR 1000

“Excellent, very good knowledge of our industry, quick in providing the advice, very nice person”. IFLR 1000

“Cleopatra Leahu is noted for her “deep knowledge”. Legal 500

“Cleopatra Leahu has a deep understanding of the applicable legal framework. She delivers pragmatic and tactical solutions to all matters.” Chambers Europe

“Cleopatra Leahu is highly active in the Romanian energy and natural resources sector, with a focus on oil, gas and mining matters. She has experience of complex energy acquisitions and project developments, including PPP matters”. Chambers Europe

Cleopatra Leahu is praised for her client-oriented approach. “She has never let us down; she responds in a very timely way and she gives good practical advice.” She frequently advises on transactions and project development in the energy market, offering significant experience in natural resources. Chambers Europe