Dispute Resolution: Arbitration (International Firms)
Greater China Region Guide 2025 : China
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+852 2845 6639Chambers Review
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 in both commercial agreement and international treaty arbitrations, as well as its advocacy capabilities in both English and Chinese. It is also well equipped to handle interim relief measures, as well as challenges to and enforcement of arbitral awards. The firm leverages broad international energy, construction and infrastructure expertise, with additional strengths acting for private equity clients.
Work Highlights
- A cross-office Herbert Smith Freehills team represented Andes Petroleum Ecuador in an arbitration in which it sought to recover its 40% share of a USD1.06 billion arbitral award from Occidental Exploration and Production Company.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Herbert Smith Freehills is a clear leader in the field of international arbitration and I would recommend them for their deep expertise."
"They are very good and very precise. They have the kind of heavy machinery you want on your side when the going gets tough."
"Herbert Smith Freehills is a clear leader in the field of international arbitration and I would recommend them for their deep expertise."
"They are very good and very precise. They have the kind of heavy machinery you want on your side when the going gets tough."
Notable Practitioners
May Tai is recognised as being a first port of call for Chinese SOEs and corporates for international arbitrations.
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.
"Justin is a leading light in arbitration."
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 and notable experience advising private equity firms and tech companies.
"She's remarkably capable and an absolute master of the details. She also has the advantage of speaking, reading and writing Chinese."
"Kathryn showed a very high level of service to us, and without her advice the result could not have been achieved."
Simon Chapman KC is head of Herbert Smith Freehills' Greater China arbitration team and is active in global arbitrations for clients in the financial services, private equity andTMT spaces.
"He's had an absolutely stellar rise and is really effective as an advocate."
"Simon is a very measured, strategic and thoughful lawyer. In intense situations he doesn't get ruffled and provides some calm in the storm."
Helen Tang garners recognition for her broad disputes practice, which often involves Mainland Chinese parties. She is based in Herbert Smith Freehills' Shanghai office.
"My main lawyer there is Helen Tang, who is very good and precise."
"Helen is an expert in the space. She provides measured thoughts and strategic guidance."
Ranked Lawyers at
Herbert Smith Freehills
China