Dispute Resolution: Arbitration (International Firms)

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.

"They were excellent in distilling complex detail and putting it into actionable advice. The relationship proved very successful; I could not speak highly enough of the way they operate as a team."

"Herbert Smith Freehills has a well-trained, professional team to accommodate the diverse requirements of global clients."

"They provide services of a far better quality than any other firm. To my best knowledge, they are the best of the best."

"HSF are able to grasp technical and complex facts and package them into coherent and persuasive arguments. The team have proven to be reliable and responsive counsel who we can always turn to for trusted guidance and support."

"They think from clients' perspectives and have close connections with clients."

Herbert Smith Freehills represented Sinopec International Petroleum Exploration and Production and Addax in an SIAC claim valued in excess of USD5.5 billion arising from the purchase of a 49% stake in a UK North Sea joint venture.

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 D'Agostino is leading the charge in Hong Kong for integration of arbitration into the Greater Bay Area of China." "He's obviously got a strong reputation in the arbitration space."

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. "Simon Chapman KC is an effective advocate who has an ability to distil and package complex facts into compelling reasoning and arguments."

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, pharmaceuticals, TMT and apparel. "Kathryn is more than excellent; super, in other words." "Her hard-working service is of very high quality."

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. "I've been cooperating with her for a long time; she's the best one out of all arbitration lawyers, to my knowledge."

Helen Tang garners recognition for her broad disputes practice that often involves Mainland Chinese parties. She is based in Herbert Smith Freehills' Shanghai office. "Helen is doing a great job." "Helen shows timely understanding of customer needs and strong coordination abilities."