Herbert Smith Freehills has a respected team in Mainland China as well as Hong Kong, with a strong track record of advising blue-chip clients from sectors including banking, hospitality and TMT on complex multi-jurisdictional arbitration. It is noted for its tremendous capabilities in advocacy on both commercial agreement and international treaty arbitrations, as well as its advocacy capabilities in both English and Chinese. The firm leverages broad international energy, construction and infrastructure expertise, with additional strengths acting for private equity clients.

"The Herbert Smith Freehills team is always astute to deal with on every issue, whether legal or otherwise. It is always agile in doing anything and sufficiently acquainted with any commercial issue."

"They have a global professional team for a variety of legal areas. They have strong commercial awareness and reliable negotiation skills."

"They respond to our needs very quickly and have a very strong ability in presenting the case to the arbitral tribunal."

Herbert Smith Freehills acted for Axiata Investments and Ncell Axiata in ICSID arbitration proceedings brought under the 1993 UK-Nepal bilateral investment treaty for a claim arising out of Nepal's imposition of over USD900 million in alleged capital gains tax on Ncell in connection with Axiata's indirect acquisition of Ncell in 2016.

Justin D'Agostino is Herbert Smith Freehills' global Chief Executive Officer and renowned for his work on high-profile investment treaty arbitrations across the Asia-Pacific region.

Simon Chapman KC is head of Herbert Smith Freehills' Greater China arbitration team and is active on global arbitrations for clients in the financial services, private equity and telecommunications spaces.

Kathryn Sanger has a wealth of experience in HKIAC arbitration cases. She serves a diverse clientele, with high-profile clients spanning a broad spectrum of sectors, including banking and finance, pharmaceutical, TMT and apparel sectors.

May Tai is recognised as being a first port of call for Chinese SOEs and corporates for international arbitrations. Of late, her clients have spanned the telecommunications, natural resources and retail sectors. "May can quickly understand customer needs and specify reasonable solutions while communicating concisely, and is a partner worthy of cooperation." "May is one of the lead lawyers and is doing an outstanding job."

Helen Tang garners recognition for her broad disputes practice that often involves Mainland Chinese parties. She is based in Herbert Smith Freehills' Shanghai office. "I think she's good; she's quite sophisticated and also solid and commercial."