Arbitration (International)
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : Asia-Pacific Region
Band 1
About
Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills
Herbert Smith Freehills' international arbitration practice is recognised as a global leader in Japan.
Our multilingual team covers commercial and investment treaty arbitration and is renowned for its success in handling the most complex and high value cross-border disputes for leading Japanese corporates and multinationals. They have extensive experience with all the major arbitral rules, including ICC, SIAC, HKIAC, LCIA, JCAA, UNCITRAL and ICSID, and demonstrate deep industry knowledge in the construction, infrastructure, energy, pharmaceutical, automotive, technology and manufacturing sectors.
The Tokyo office is distinguished by its sizeable team of experienced international practitioners on-the-ground in Japan, who work seamlessly with the firm's global network of over 500 disputes specialists (across 23 global offices) to ensure clients receive fast, efficient and expert counsel regardless of the nature, governing law or location of their dispute.
Herbert Smith Freehills's Tokyo practice combines in-depth legal and sector knowledge with a proven track record of successfully acting in complex disputes, and is celebrated as a powerhouse of the market – offering unrivalled service and expertise in international arbitration.
Chambers Review
Herbert Smith Freehills has standout arbitration capability coupled with an unrivalled breadth of regional coverage, including experience in handling matters involving Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, attracting custom from both blue-chip private sector players and governments. The firm is especially noted for its handling of investment treaty, energy and resources, and construction disputes. The team offers niche strengths in public international law and human rights issues, and is increasingly active in arbitrations involving allegations of fraud. It is further distinguished by its commitment to conducting its own advocacy.
Simon Chapman KC, based in Hong Kong, is the firm's regional head of Asia disputes. Alastair Henderson heads the firm's arbitration practice in South-East Asia.
Work Highlights
- Herbert Smith Freehills acted for Sinopec International Petroleum Exploration and Production and Addax Petroleum on a SIAC arbitration arising out of the acquisition of a 49% stake in a UK North Sea joint venture, now majority owned by Spanish oil major Repsol. The dispute was settled with a USD2.1 billion transaction whereby Repsol will acquire Sinopec's 49% share in Repsol Sinopec Resources UK.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They are staffed with specialists in various areas, ranging from regulatory compliance to international trade, which allows them to handle a wide array of issues."
"The Herbert Smith Freehills team are extremely resourceful."
"They are staffed with specialists in various areas, ranging from regulatory compliance to international trade, which allows them to handle a wide array of issues."
"The Herbert Smith Freehills team are extremely resourceful."
Members
Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills
Ben Jolley
David Gilmore
Elaine Wong