Herbert Smith Freehills has promoted nine Disputes lawyers to its partnership out of a total of 32 worldwide. The promotions in the Disputes practice, which took effect on 1 May 2023, span across the firm's international network.

Of these new partners, two are construction and infrastructure disputes specialists, reflecting the strength and importance of the sector to the firm.

The new construction and infrastructure disputes partners are:

Catrice Gayer, Düsseldorf

Catrice has been advising and representing clients in domestic and international arbitrations (e.g. ICC, DIS, SIAC, SCAI) and litigations for more than a decade. She is particularly renowned and experienced in implementing cost-efficient strategies and handling voluminous and technically complex cross-border cases. These cases involve large-scale projects in plant construction, technology products as well as mechanical engineering. Her industry expertise comprises sectors such as infrastructure, transport, manufacturing/industrials, TMT and energy. Further, she regularly acts in post-M&A as well as commercial and corporate disputes. She also regularly sits as arbitrator. She has been co-chair of ASAb40 (Swiss Arbitration Association) since 2020 and was promoted to counsel in 2021.

Michael Lake, Sydney

Michael supports clients on complex construction and infrastructure projects by managing and resolving disputes in high-risk environments. Michael acts for organisations who deliver major construction, engineering and energy projects. By utilising his knowledge of both formal and informal processes, Michael resolves disputes through litigation, arbitration, expert adjudication, and mediation. Building the most advantageous strategy to deliver on the needs of his clients. Working across the life-cycle of major projects, Michael is aware of the issues that can impact project delivery. With this, he typically deals with issues arising from delay and disruption, scope change and payment and performance failures, design and construction defects and security.

James Doe, Global Head of Construction Disputes, comments: "Catrice and Michael are outstanding practitioners who are key to the future of Herbert Smith Freehills' market-leading construction and infrastructure disputes practice. I would like to congratulate both of them on their well-deserved promotions and wish them continued success in the next stage of their careers at the firm."