Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's team is led by Sven Wortberg, who focuses on transactions and also covers various related financing, structuring and regulatory issues. Wortberg took over practice management in May 2023 after former practice head Hans Thomas Kessler joined PwC Legal (PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal AG Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft). Among the team's key strengths are transactions and financing support, the latter was strengthened in May 2023 with the internal transfer of real estate financing specialist Stefanie Herkert from the finance practice to the real estate team; here, the team frequently acts on behalf of borrowers. This is complemented by expertise in asset management and leasing matters. The client roster includes project developers, investment companies, investment funds as well as institutional investors.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The collaboration is very efficient and solution-oriented. What particularly sets the firm apart is the combination of legal expertise with an insight into current market practice and an understanding of ESG issues.'
- 'Good knowledge of real estate and careful structuring of transactions. The team had sufficient staff to help at lower levels and across departments (e.g. tax). This enabled efficient work within tight deadlines.'
- 'Sven Wortberg is clear and communicates well. He delegates effectively to capable team members and intervenes when necessary to resolve more difficult issues with creative and thoughtful solutions.'
- 'Excellent post-transaction support - Sven Wortberg takes responsibility and he and the HSF team care about delivering the best customer outcome.'
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Sven Wortberg