Herbert Smith Freehills LLP ‘understands emerging markets in an impressive way’, and ‘has a deep bench of local counsel and strong relationships in many jurisdictions, particularly in Africa’. Global co-head of the Africa Group Martin Kavanagh also takes a lead on projects in many emerging markets. Kavanagh is currently assisting the Government of Malawi on a PPP model for a proposed 350MW hydropower project, on the Shire River. Also key are head of global M&A Gavin Davies, who has a particular focus on tech, telecoms, financial services and industrial sectors; UK head of both the arbitration and energy practices Craig Tevendale; global head of debt capital markets Amy Geddes; and head of the civil fraud practice Jeremy Garson. Emerging talent Dhananjaya Chak leads the India finance practice, which frequently handles infrastructure and energy projects.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The HSF team understands emerging markets in an impressive way. They are able to work with local counsel in difficult jurisdictions, but with due respect and an ability to achieve the required results. They have a deep bench of local counsel and strong relationships in many jurisdictions, particularly in Africa.'
- 'Charlie Morgan is an outstanding young partner with impressive communication skills. This allows him to understand local issues very quickly and to provide focused and useful advice. He is the best young energy disputes lawyer I have come across in the market.'
Key clients
- Airtel Africa
- African Development Bank
- Asian Development Bank
- ArcelorMittal
- Bharti Enterprises
- bp Plc
- EDEN Renewables India
- EDF SA
- GIC
- Goldman Sachs
- Government of Malawi
- HSBC
- Inchcape plc
- IHS Tower
- International Finance Corporation (IFC)
- OneWeb
- Standard Chartered Bank
- TATA Group
Work highlights
- Advised Dynamic Mining on the financing and development of the Bon Ami bauxite mine in the Republic of Guinea. This includes advice on the project's debt financing, offtake and equity arrangements, and a working capital facility.
- Advised Tulu Kapi Gold Mines Share Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of KEFI, in connection with the development and financing of the Tulu Kapi gold mine in Ethiopia.
- Advised bp on the fast-track procurement of a contract for subsea pipelay scope for its ultra-deepwater Greater Tortue Ahmeyim natural gas project offshore Mauritania and Senegal.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Martin Kavanagh, Gavin Davies, Andrew Cannon, Craig Tevendale, Amy Geddes, Jeremy Garson