Charles W. Allen

Charles W. Allen is a New York attorney focusing on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, corporate governance, financial advisor matters, and complex business transactions. His work supports public companies, private companies, sponsors, boards, and transaction participants handling acquisitions, divestitures, investments, and strategic combinations. He helps clients evaluate deal structure, negotiate terms, address governance issues, and manage legal risks throughout transactional matters.

Charles earned a J.D., cum laude, from Harvard Law School. He also earned a B.S., cum laude, from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. During law school, he served as executive editor of the Harvard International Law Journal. His education supports transaction analysis, legal drafting, negotiation, governance review, and client counseling in mergers, acquisitions, private equity investments, and corporate matters involving cross-border issues.

Charles has advised on significant transactions involving food, consumer products, financial institutions, sports, pulp and paper, and other industries. His experience includes public and private M&A, private equity investments, sale transactions, acquisitions, and financial advisor assignments. He also clerked for the Honorable Andre G. Bouchard of the Delaware Court of Chancery, strengthening his understanding of corporate disputes, fiduciary duties, and Delaware governance principles.

Charles W. Allen helps clients approach transactions with practical judgment, legal precision, and attention to business objectives. His work supports companies, investors, boards, and advisors making decisions during high-value acquisitions, divestitures, investments, and governance matters. Recognized as a New York Law Journal Rising Star, he also contributes to pro bono matters involving small businesses, nonprofits, veterans’ benefits, and other client needs requiring focused legal assistance, advocacy, planning, and guidance.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
• Member, New York State Bar Association

Licensed State

• New York

Education

• Harvard Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Georgetown University
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges