Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer

We warmly welcome Dr. Philipp Cepl, who starts today as an IP partner in our disputes practice based in Germany.   Philipp brings more than 20 years of experience in patent infringement and nullity proceedings and has already advised on over 150 patent infringement proceedings. In particular, his expertise includes the tech, life sciences and automotive sectors. He represents national and international clients before the UPC as well as before German courts, including the Federal Patent Court.   Find out more about Philipp here: https://lnkd.in/djdvVVfY

The automotive sector faced another turbulent year in 2025, with transformation pressures, geopolitical tensions and the dual EV/SDV revolutions driving a wave of strategic deals and partnerships. https://lnkd.in/gMawY3Zj In 2026, disruption will continue - creating opportunities for OEMs, suppliers and investors who can navigate shifting supply chains, technology convergence and emerging consolidation. How do you see consolidation and partnerships reshaping the automotive landscape in 2026? #AutomotiveMA #EVTransition #TechAndMobility

Issue 21 of #InsideArbitration is now live! Global Co-Heads of International Arbitration practice Andrew Cannon and Simon Chapman KC introduce the topics and articles covered in this edition. Watch Andrew and Simon's video, listen to their special podcast episode and read the latest issue of Inside Arbitration here: https://lnkd.in/eST_bUW4

South Korea’s M&A market proved remarkably resilient in 2025, with large cap activity surging across tech, financial services and industrials. https://lnkd.in/eaQHg7va As we look ahead, 2026 will be shaped by strategic transformation, from AI driven capability deals to Chaebol portfolio shifts and upcoming regulatory reforms. #SouthKoreaMA #TechDeals #AsiaMA

Congratulations to James Woodcock, appointed as the first recipient of the Matthew Bonye Research Fellowship with The Architecture Foundation - a deeply considered initiative established in Matthew’s memory and a fitting tribute to his legacy. https://lnkd.in/esPc9XUH

We have achieved an impressive ranking in Global Arbitration Review's GAR 30, securing a place among the top 10 busiest arbitration practices globally. This prestigious recognition reflects our global team's dedication and deep experience, underlining our commitment to excellence in resolving complex disputes wherever our clients are.  According to the GAR 30, this year our portfolio value stood at $141.25 billion, an increase of $40 billion from last year. This includes 4 cases with claims exceeding $5 billion, 14 cases valued between $1–5 billion, and 26 cases in the $250 million–$1 billion range. We are proud to be acknowledged for our "formidable" commercial arbitration and public international law practices. Our Asia team was also shortlisted as “Asia practice that most impressed”. Huge thanks to everyone who contributed to this ranking! Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/esxH42js #LegalExcellence #Arbitration #InternationalArbitration #GAR30  

Last week we welcomed leaders from across law, DEI, tech and HR to Fair Work: the AI & DEI Hackathon, held alongside FFinc. It was a day of sharp insight and hands-on problem‑solving on the urgent workplace challenges around AI. AI is already influencing key workforce decisions, but not always fairly. When built on biased data or deployed without human oversight, these systems can reinforce inequality, exclude talent, and introduce real legal risk. We spent the day exploring the intersection of people, technology and inclusion, starting with keynote insights, followed by a dynamic panel discussion and an afternoon hackathon tackling real AI risk scenarios. Our speakers and panellists included: Daniel Susskind – Economist and writer Laura Bates– Activist, writer and speaker Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka – Former Executive Director of UN Women & former Deputy President of South Africa David Carrigan – Sky Amanda Vaughan – AXA UK Zara Nanu MBE – Entrepreneur and workplace‑equality advocate Lee Chambers – Business psychologist and male‑allyship specialist Christine Young – Partner, HSF Kramer We also heard insights from HSF Kramer's Jeremy Walden, Jo McConnell, Ilona Logvinova and Clara Garfield-Hammond, as well as Nada Maria Llewellyn, Esq., SHRM-SCP and Dr Michelle Penelope King.  Thank you to all our speakers and participants. Keep an eye out for more insights from the event in the coming weeks.

We are proud to celebrate 10 years of #InsideArbitration with the launch of our 21st issue. This edition brings together articles spanning a wide range of jurisdictions and discusses some of the most current themes shaping today's arbitration landscape. It explores how geopolitics is influencing party choices, highlights major legislative reform in China, and considers practical protections for Japanese investors and strategic options for India related disputes. It also reflects on evolving best practice in expert evidence and highlights the latest edition of our Guide to Dispute Resolution in Africa. To mark the anniversary, we have also released a special podcast in which our Global Heads of International Arbitration, Andrew Cannon and Simon Chapman KC, reflect on the key arbitration trends of the past decade. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/eS-gyWZ3 Read the full issue here: https://lnkd.in/eST_bUW4

Honoured to have been nominated as "Asia practice that impressed" by the Global Arbitration Review Awards 2026.   The winners will be announced at a ceremony this Thursday 26 March as part of Paris Arbitration Week.   Congratulations to our Asia team, and thank you to our many clients whose continued faith in us made this nomination possible.   #asiaarbitration #asiadisputes #internationalarbitration

Spain saw rising deal values in 2025, with tech, energy and financial services leading the way. 2026 looks positive, but investors will need to manage longer timelines, regulatory complexity and sector specific constraints. https://lnkd.in/dgKnunz7 #SpainMA #Tech #Energy