Herbert Smith Freehills has promoted seven disputes lawyers to its partnership, out of a total of 22 worldwide. The promotions in the disputes practice, which take effect on 1 May, 2019, span right across the firm's global network including: London, Paris, Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Sydney.
Of these new partners, three are arbitration specialists, reflecting the strength and importance of this ever growing practice area to the firm.
The new arbitration partners are:
Laurence Franc-Menget – Disputes (International Arbitration), Paris
Laurence is an experienced member of the International Arbitration team in Paris.
She advises clients in in all areas of international arbitration and has acted for them in both ad hoc and institutional arbitrations (including ICC, UNCITRAL, ICSID, AFA, and SCC arbitrations).
In particular, she represents clients as counsel in disputes on corporate issues, joint ventures, construction and distribution contracts as well as in investment disputes involving sovereign States.
Laurence also acts as an arbitrator. She appears before the French Courts, in international private law disputes and in cases arising from arbitration (i.e. jurisdictional issues, the enforcement and/or setting aside of arbitral awards).
Tomas Furlong – Disputes (International Arbitration), Singapore
Tomas is a member of the firm's market-leading Asia dispute resolution practice, based in Singapore. Specialising in cross-border arbitration, he advises clients on complex disputes, with a particular focus on the TMT and energy sectors and in relation to private equity and sovereign fund investments.
Tomas is also a key member of our Philippines and India practices. He has recent experience in commercial fraud, joint venture, shareholder, post-M&A and contractual disputes, including complex quantum assessments.
Tomas has handled arbitrations under the rules of the ICC, LCIA, SIAC, HKIAC and CIETAC as well as UNCITRAL rules and pure ad hoc cases.
Tomas moved to Asia in 2014 after practicing in London, and has acted in multi-jurisdictional matters including proceedings in Singapore, Hong Kong, India, the PRC, England, Thailand and Mauritius.
Nick Oury – Disputes (Construction and Engineering), Dubai
Nick is in the contentious construction and engineering practice.
His experience covers most forms of dispute resolution, with a particular focus on international arbitrations arising out of major infrastructure projects.
Nick helps owners, employers and contractors of major international projects navigate the often complex issues arising in their disputes. He has an in-depth understanding of the various issues relating to time, cost and quality that commonly arise in construction disputes. He has experience of working with various technical experts and can leverage their evidence in legal argument to achieve a commercially favourable result.
Nick has worked on disputes arising out of projects in a range of industries, including the energy, oil and gas, rail and healthcare sectors.
He joined legacy Herbert Smith in London as a trainee in February 2009, qualifying as a solicitor of England and Wales in March 2011 after a six month secondment to the Herbert Smith office in Paris.
Nick obtained Higher Rights of Audience as an advocate in the courts of England and Wales in 2013. After an 18 month secondment to the HSF office in Tokyo, Nick is now based in Dubai.
Justin D'Agostino, Global Head of Herbert Smith Freehills' Disputes Practice, said:
"Our new partners are the future of our business and we are very proud to welcome them to the partnership. They are all outstanding lawyers, who each possess a deep understanding of our clients and represent the quality, breadth and depth of our Global Disputes Practice right across the world. Their diverse skills and experiences will also further enhance the strength of our global network."
Paula Hodges QC, Head of the Global Arbitration Practice, added:
"I am delighted to welcome our three new arbitration partners in Paris, Dubai and Singapore. All three are exceptional lawyers with a deep understanding of arbitration in their market and across the globe. I congratulate them on their much deserved success and wish them all well for the next stage of their careers."
