Cleopatra Leahu is Deputy Managing Partner of Suciu Partners, bringing over 23 years of legal experience in international commercial law. She co-leads the firm’s Dispute Resolution and Project Development groups, specializing in Energy & Natural Resources, Environmental Law, Public Procurement & PPP, and International Commercial Arbitration (ICC).

Cleopatra is particularly renowned for her unparalleled expertise in the natural resources sector, assisting major oil, gas, and mining corporations in devising complex operational structures, preserving concession titles, and managing intricate permitting and regulatory compliance processes. She routinely represents international clients in high-stakes domestic and international ICC arbitrations arising from petroleum concessions, joint operating agreements (AIEN/AIPN), and FIDIC infrastructure contracts. Additionally, she has a stellar track record in defending major energy infrastructure permits against legal challenges by regulatory authorities and environmental NGOs.

Her standing is consistently endorsed by top international directories:

• Legal 500 EMEA: Ranked as a Leading Lawyer in Energy & Natural Resources and Corporate/M&A; endorsed for her dispute resolution practice and praised as \"arguably one of the best oil and gas lawyers in the country.\"
• Chambers Europe: Ranked for over 10 consecutive years in Energy & Natural Resources; highlighted for her \"deep understanding of the legal framework\" and ability to deliver \"pragmatic and tactical solutions.\"
• IFLR 1000: Ranked as Highly Regarded in Energy & Infrastructure, M&A, and Project Development, and designated a Woman Leader.
• Global Arbitration Review (GAR 100): Endorsed for her outstanding international arbitration practice alongside the firm’s dispute resolution group.

Clients highlight her business-oriented approach and responsiveness: \"Cleopatra has a deep knowledge of our industry and provides very quick turnaround, which is essential in fast-moving deals\" (IFLR1000) and \"She is client-oriented, an excellent communicator, and never lets us down\" (Chambers Europe).

Selected Track Record:

• Energy & Upstream Oil & Gas: Advised SNGN Romgaz on project development and corporate structures following the $1.06B acquisition of ExxonMobil\'s 50% stake in the Neptun Deep Black Sea offshore project.
• International ICC Arbitration: Represented a major international energy group in ICC arbitration proceedings arising out of an AIPN/AIEN standard Joint Operating Agreement related to a petroleum concession.
• Environmental Permits & Defense Litigation: Defended the environmental permits and operational regulatory status of major Black Sea offshore energy projects in court against NGO legal challenges.
• Infrastructure & Construction Disputes (FIDIC): Represented a world-leading construction and engineering group in an ICC international arbitration concerning a major transport infrastructure project.
• Downstream & Industrial Compliance: Advised a leading oil refining and petrochemical corporation on environmental compliance, industrial permitting, and contract operations for refinery assets.
• Automotive & Asset Divestments: Advised Ford Motor Company on environmental and regulatory compliance matters regarding the transfer and sale of its Craiova manufacturing plant.