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Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Superannuation

Asia-Pacific Guide 2026 : Australia

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Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

The firm provides full service comprehensive support across all facets of investment funds management and investment activities from fund formation and structuring to regulatory compliance, transactional, tax advice and ongoing operational support. The team regularly works with clients throughout the industry covering managers, sponsors and investors across domestic and international private equity funds, venture capital funds, superannuation funds, infrastructure funds, private debt funds, real estate funds, hedge funds and commodities funds. Increasingly our work involves acting for institutional investors on direct investments in assets directly or via co-investment structures. Our unique combination of multi-disciplinary knowledge and commercial approach is unparalleled and distinguishes us from other teams in the market.

We consistently work on the largest, most complex and transformational investment funds matters. Our investment funds team is sought out by clients as the ‘go to’ advisers for these complex transactions to provide innovative and reliable advice. Whether navigating complex regulatory environments or negotiating intricate agreements, our multifaceted team is committed to delivering strategic guidance and pragmatic solutions with a relentless focus on client satisfaction and a reputation for excellence in driving success and mitigating risk in today’s dynamic funds landscape.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Superannuation - Australia

What the Team is Known For

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has a highly regarded team renowned for acting for large wealth management groups in relation to both the formation and offering of investment management platforms and structured products. The team remains highly regarded for its adept handling of funds-related M&A activity and restructurings. The practice is also active advising institutional investors with regard to investments into funds. The firm commands respect for its ability to handle matters relating to both the superannuation and life insurance spaces. The team draws on its strong international presence to advise clients on global investment trends. Clients include major banks, asset managers and institutional investors.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer advised BlackRock on the Australian and Singapore aspects of its acquisition of Global Infrastructure Partners, to create a multi-asset class infrastructure investing platform.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The partners and all associates at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer are of very high quality, commercial and understand the operation of investment funds in the Australian market.

    Superannuation respondentAsia-Pacific

  • Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has provided continuous and unwavering support without fail. They are very timely in their advice and very responsive.

    Superannuation respondentAsia-Pacific

  • The firm has a great history of developing innovative solutions to issues while ensuring compliance with the law. The lawyers offer great service levels and responsiveness.

    Superannuation respondentAsia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Fiona Smedley
    Fiona Smedley

    Fiona Smedley

    Fiona Smedley has a market-leading practice in investment funds, regularly advising a range of high profile clients such as fund managers, asset managers, banks and non-profits. She has extensive expertise in matters relating to both fund formation and management.

    • Fiona is highly experienced and very well regarded. She has a pedigree book of clients and speaks from real hands-on experience. She also shows efficiency, pragmatism and commerciality.

      Superannuation respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Fiona is a very experienced senior partner. She's well connected and absolutely focused on delivering results for us.

      Superannuation respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Fiona Smedley is very experienced and has diverse knowledge.

      Superannuation respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Maged Girgis
    Maged Girgis

    Maged Girgis

    Maged Girgis is a market-leading practitioner who acts on some of the most significant life insurance business deals and superannuation fund matters, including successor fund transfers and divestitures.

    • Maged is very pragmatic. He understands the challenges that clients have and has a very solution-oriented approach. He's a top-shelf adviser.

      Superannuation respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Maged Girgis is another titan of the industry, one of the leading superannuation lawyers. When I get input from him, nobody questions it.

      Superannuation respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Michael Vrisakis
    Michael Vrisakis

    Michael Vrisakis

    Michael Vrisakis is a highly regarded financial services lawyer with strong expertise in advising on M&A transactions with superannuation elements.

    • Michael is a very commercial, technically strong lawyer in superannuation.

      Superannuation respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Michael Vrisakis is a legend in superannuation, able to take the client through complex problems. He is an exceptional lawyer.

      Superannuation respondentAsia-Pacific

    • An industry leader across all financial services, including superannuation. He understands conflicting commercial and regulatory pressures and gives innovative advice when needed.

      Superannuation respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Andrew Bradley
    Andrew Bradley

    Andrew Bradley

    Andrew Bradley is based in Sydney, where he is recognised for his work on matters relating to acquisitions and fund transfer work in the field of superannuation.

    • Andrew is a very accommodating, commercial lawyer who is also helpful at giving a steer on tone. Andrew has delivered high quality legal advice that is easily understood by non-lawyers.

      Superannuation respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Andrew Bradley really understands the client and the pressure points that we face. He's a great communicator. His position is always treated with the utmost respect.

      Superannuation respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Robert Bileckij
    Robert Bileckij

    Robert Bileckij

    Robert Bileckij's Sydney-based practice sees him advising on fund establishment and funds-related M&A. He frequently acts for fund managers, global investment firms and real estate clients, and is recognised for his deep knowledge of the real estate sector.

    • Robert is fantastic. He is very energetic and incredibly good at communicating complex ideas. He has a great manner about him and can make complex things sound easy.

      Superannuation respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Rob is a technically excellent but also commercially focused lawyer. His advice is given with a commercial lens and he has an excellent understanding of the real estate funds industry.

      Superannuation respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Robert Bileckij is always clear, concise, helpful and he would also pre-empt things.

      Superannuation respondentAsia-Pacific
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Ranked Individuals at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP (5)

Australia

Members

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