Formidable dispute resolution powerhouse Herbert Smith Freehills specialises in acting for Japanese blue-chip companie, pharmaceutical giants, and technology and energy companies before various institutions including ICC and Japan Commercial Arbitration Association (JCAA). With a vast practice, it acts on most complex and high-profile commercial and regulatory matters across the region. The firm is also frequently involved in anti-corruption and fraud investigations.
David Gilmore is the managing partner at its Tokyo office as well as head of the dispute resolution team. Gilmore has over 20 years of experience in international commercial disputes and is also active in regulatory investigations. Other key figures for international arbitration include Elaine Wong and Emma Kratochvilova.
Work highlights include representing a major Japanese pharmaceutical company in JCAA arbitration proceedings for claims of breach of representation and warranty under a share purchase agreement arising out of the sale of a pharmaceutical company; advising an automotive manufacturer on a potential dispute with an Indonesian entity that has not been complying with obligations, owing to the substantial decrease in the demand for vehicles supply under the supply agreement; and advising a Japanese energy company on an arbitration arising under a 20-year power purchase agreement.
The details of the remaining clients the firm has worked with remain confidential.
In May 2022, partner Craig Shepherd relocated to Kuala Lumpur, and James Allsop got promoted to partner.
