Cleopatra Leahu

Cleopatra Leahu is the Deputy Managing Partner at Suciu Partners law firm in Bucharest, Romania, where she brings over two decades of legal experience in international commercial law, with a primary focus on the energy and natural resources sector and international arbitration. Cleopatra has a proven track record of helping energy companies preserve their titles and successfully navigate intricate permitting processes for major new developments, often in the face of intense public and regulatory scrutiny.

 

Her extensive practice covers M&A, energy and natural resources, environmental law, infrastructure, public procurement, and dispute resolution. Cleopatra regularly acts as the lead lawyer in complex cross-border M&A transactions and contract negotiations. Her experience includes representing major international energy groups in high-stakes arbitrations, including disputes arising out of AIEN-standard Joint Operating Agreements, complex petroleum concessions, and EPSAs. She is also a frequent speaker on energy matters at industry conferences.

 

Admitted to the Bucharest Bar in 2004, Cleopatra holds a Law Degree from the University of Bucharest. She is consistently acclaimed by leading global legal directories, having been ranked for over a decade by Chambers Europe in Energy & Natural Resources, declared a “Woman Leader” by IFLR 1000, and recognized as a Leading Lawyer by Legal 500 EMEA, where clients have described her as “arguably one of the best oil and gas lawyers in the country.” She has also been nominated by GAR 100 for her arbitration practice.

 

A dedicated member of AIEN since 2018, Cleopatra currently serves as a Member of the Europe Regional Committee and as the Women Negotiators Group (WNG) Representative. In these roles, she plays a vital part in supporting regional chapter initiatives and spearheading efforts to champion female leadership and networking opportunities across the industry.