Representing major international companies and governmental bodies, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP enjoys a stellar reputation across the gamut of WTO and trade law areas, encompassing investment treaty arbitration, trade policy and agreements, subsidy control, sanctions and customs issues. Practice head Lode Van Den Hende has over 25 years experience in EU regulatory and international trade matters, regularly advising major public and private sector clients. Consultant Eric White is highly experienced in WTO law and EU rules governing trade with non-EU countries, which he brings to bear as he handles significant UK post-Brexit work. Sanctions specialist Susannah Cogman regularly advises clients on complex sanctions imposed in relation to Iran, Russian, Syria and Libya, while Daniel Hudson boasts extensive experience in bribery, corruption, and money laundering issues. Other names to note include Morris Schonberg, who has built a solid reputation for his experience in relation to anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The team has excellent detailed knowledge of all legal issues relating to competition, state aid and trade, and new areas such as the foreign subsidies regulation.’
‘Their outstanding legal knowledge combined with their very client friendly approach sets them apart from other law firms. All team members are incredibly impressive from the partners to the most junior associates.’
‘Lode van den Hende has an outstanding reputation in the market, particularly in relation to state aid/subsidy control and trade. Lode is also leading HSF's work in relation to the Foreign Subsidies Regulation, a completely new area, and he has established HSF as one of the top firms in this area.’
‘Morris Schonberg is a star at his level. He is exceptionally knowledgeable and dedicated and has an excellent way of communicating messages to clients.’
‘Herbert Smith Freehills is a practice that comprises of legal professionals that have extensive skills in international trade law, public international law and advising on a range of international treaties, as well as providing representation in trade settlement disputes.’
‘Eric White and Morris Schonberg are outstanding individuals in their own right.’
‘Eric White's extensive experience of the WTO and the EU were invaluable, as he was able to draw upon this knowledge of the workings of these organisations to effectively advise us on our matters.’
‘Morris Schonberg is commended for this exceptional eye for detail, his ability to thoroughly analyse matters and undertake extensive research on issues. He is a brilliant legal practitioner with extensive knowledge in international trade law.’

Key clients

The Southern African Customs Union
British Sugar
British American Tobacco
AerCap

Work highlights

Successfully represented the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) in a bilateral dispute with the EU under the EU-Southern African Development Community Economic Partnership Agreement concerning a SACU safeguard measure on certain EU poultry imports.
Represented British Sugar on its challenge in the English Courts of the UK’s autonomous tariff rate quota for raw cane sugar, on the basis that it amounts to a subsidy to its competitor, Tate & Lyle – this case represents the first Court proceedings in relation to the UK’s new subsidy control framework.
Advising several multinational companies from various sectors on how imposed international sanctions impact their organisation and business dealings with Russia and Ukraine, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.