Our Work

As one of the world’s leading law firms, we advise many of the biggest and most ambitious organizations across all major regions of the globe. Our clients trust us with their most important transactions, disputes and projects because of our ability to cut through complexity and mitigate risk. Our clients include BHP, BP, Chevron Corporation, Credit Suisse, Dyson, Jefferies, Kingdom of Spain, Marriott International, Republic of Italy, Russian Olympic Biathlon Team and Uber.

Key Cases:

  • Secured an important victory for the Kingdom of Spain in a long-running landmark investor-state arbitration concerning the renewables sector in Spain.
  • Retained as trial counsel to represent a plaintiff group of five heirs of an Italian senator in dispute with Christie's, Inc. and other defendants concerning allegations that an extremely rare and precious pink diamond was stolen from them.
  • Representing members of the Russian Olympic Biathlon Team in connection with various anti-doping related proceedings.
  • Represented a plaintiff group of eight individual photographers in a dispute with the National Football League and Associated Press.
  • Secured the dismissal of a putative securities class action lawsuit against hibu group. The judge dismissed all of plaintiffs' claims with prejudice. 
  • Advised Hecate Grid on the procurement, construction and maintenance arrangements for a stand-alone utility scale battery project in Santa Ana, California.
  • Represented an international banking client in a disability discrimination case.

Pro Bono

Inspired by our clients and by our professional responsibility as a global law firm – sustainability, social impact and a sense of justice underpin everything we aspire to achieve as a responsible business. Reflecting our global outlook, our pro bono and citizenship initiatives focus on building the rule of law, social inclusion, capacity building and the far-reaching implications of climate change. Some notable cases include:

  • Acting for Equality Now on pro bono research and policy advocacy project on online sexual exploitation.
  • Acting as coordinating counsel on pro-bono project involving a multi-jurisdictional study of whistleblower protections and risks.
  • Preparing a report with the results of a study on the protections of biocultural property rights of indigenous communities under US law for Fundación Nativo.

Latest News 

Herbert Smith Freehills is taking action to improve ethnic diversity across the firm. Despite working for some time to further diversify the make-up of the firm, still more has to be done. The firm has committed to 10 Actions for Change – a framework and measure of accountability to improve representation, support and experience for our Black, First Nations, Asian and minority ethnic colleagues. In support of these commitments, the New York office is part of a coalition of US and international law firms which launched the Law Firm Antiracism Alliance (LFAA).

We have targets to increase the proportion and number of women in our partnership as part of our commitment to having a leading inclusive culture. In the five years since our first targets were set, the number of women in the partnership has increased by over 50%. By May 2023, women will comprise 35% of partners and partner leadership roles.

Our global IRIS (LGBT+ and Ally) Network continues to promote and advocate for LGBT+ diversity and inclusion with the firm, to enhance our culture and client relationships.

Our Mental Health Champions program aims to help our staff prioritize their health and wellbeing by reinforcing a supportive, respectful and inclusive culture. Our firm has joined leading organizations, mental health advocates and experts from across the world to support Speak Your Mind's call on governments to ensure that mental health is integrated into all Covid-19 responses.

We recently announced our intention to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2030. The commitment will see the firm reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions, by first reducing the emissions that it produces and then balancing that lower figure with emissions removed from the earth’s atmosphere to reach a net sum of zero.

Awards

Our firm is consistently recognized for our work by Law360, Chambers, Legal 500, Latinvex, Latin Lawyer, Benchmark, IJ Global, Best Lawyers. Some further highlights include:

Key Reasons to Join 

BE A PART OF THE NEW YORK STORY

From the start of your career, you will be a key contributor to the growth of the office and its practice. You will be able to work on a collaborative team and shape how the business will continue to drive our success for years to come.

CAREER AT THE TOP OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION

By joining Herbert Smith Freehills, you will become an integral part of one of the world’s leading legal practices and play a vital role in helping our clients thrive in the global economy.

ADVISE ON COMPLEX AND CRITICAL MATTERS

You will provide new perspectives to our clients to help them navigate legal complexities and protect them from risk.

OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS THE GLOBE

We can give you international opportunities in select regions of the world that only a leading global practice can provide.

INVESTMENT IN YOUR DEVELOPMENT

We will help you grow professionally through formal training programs and real case work in New York. Our top performing associates have the opportunity to receive training at our yearly Associate Development Center in our London office.

FIRM CULTURE

You will be part of a working environment that is supportive, open, and one that fosters your individual talent.

RECOGNITION FOR EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE

We’ll expect exceptional performance from you; in return, we will provide you with rewards and opportunities tailored to your needs and goals.

TOP-OF-MARKET COMPENSATION

We want the best people and match New York’s market-leading salary and bonus scale at all levels of seniority.

 

DIVERSITY

Our vision is to be the leading global law firm that promotes a diverse and inclusive climate that encourages the success for all employees. We understand the importance of individual differences, life experiences, culture, self-expression and knowledge that our employees invest in their work, represents our culture and our reputation, all while meeting the needs of our clients.

We aspire to create and sustain an office wide culture that understands diversity, equity and inclusion are essential to the success of our employees. Our diversity and inclusion program includes a range of LGBT+ networks, frequent anti-racism trainings and workshops, gender neutral mentorship's and increased pro-bono efforts.

Here at Herbert Smith Freehills, we strive to transform a "work" culture into a place where all will thrive and succeed in an ever changing global community.

Hear From Our Team