Dispute Resolution: International

Herbert Smith Freehills has a formidable dispute resolution team specialising in representing Japanese blue-chips in arbitration proceedings brought before several institutions including the ICC, SIAC and JCAA. The firm offers further expertise in other forms of ADR, such as mediation, and is recognised for its strength in the pharmaceutical, TMT, manufacturing and energy sectors. It is frequently instructed to assist with contractual disputes as well as cross-border investigations and compliance matters. The team has notable strengths in acting for clients on contentious issues concerning the Middle East and South-East Asian regions.

"They dealt with a variety of difficult, tough and complicated cases and have delivered super positive outcomes to us. Herbert Smith Freehills’ performance is extremely high, and so I am very satisfied with their services."

"The team is deeply responsive and even on the weekend they worked very hard to provide us with feedback, which was the most helpful point considering the time difference."

David Gilmore has a distinguished reputation for his depth of experience handling high-stakes dispute resolution matters. His broad expertise spans multi-jurisdictional commercial arbitration cases, FCPA investigations and strategic crisis management mandates, with a particular focus on the pharmaceutical sector. "He is very good at figuring out the fundamental point of issues and providing effective solutions." "His capability to capture points is amazing. His presence creates a stable flow of work within the team." "He's a litigator who knows how to play the game with other global law firms and is very attuned to small but important things during hearings."

Elaine Wong is now based in Herbert Smith Freehills' Tokyo office after a period based in Singapore, which she leverages to offer clients advice on cross-border matters pertaining to South-East Asia. She often acts for Japanese automotive and manufacturing clients on a range of contentious matters, including investigations. "She is an absolutely essential person for our arbitration cases. She is an extremely competent, honest and innovative lawyer combining attention to detail, foresight and agile responses. She has strategic vision and exceptional ability to see all angles. In addition, she understands our perspective very well." "Elaine is very responsive and professional. She is well versed in construction and EPC projects and has a firm grasp of the characteristics, ideas and goals of Japanese companies." "She provided us with a commercial perspective as well as a legal perspective, and she engages very well with other parties."