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African clients to benefit as Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer officially launches
Global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills and leading US firm Kramer Levin announced the successful completion of their merger on 1 June, creating a first-of-its kind transatlantic and transpacific firm
The transformative merger of Herbert Smith Freehills and Kramer Levin, which officially became one fully integrated firm on 1 June, is an exciting new chapter that will benefit clients all across the world, says its global and regional leaders.
“This combination strengthens our ability to support clients across South Africa and the [entire] continent by bringing together global expertise with local insight, delivering seamless, world-class legal services where they matter most,” says Jean Meijer, the Co-Head of the Africa Group for Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer.
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, which will be known as HSF Kramer in the United States, is a global powerhouse, with $2b in revenues, and more than 2,700 lawyers, including around 630 partners, working across 26 offices in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East. All with a shared commitment to providing excellence in client service and nurturing a collaborative, entrepreneurial culture.
“Today we embark on an exciting new chapter,” says Rebecca Maslen-Stannage, the firm’s Chair and Senior Partner. “Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer unites two firms with complementary strengths, shared values, and a bold vision for the future. We are delighted by the overwhelmingly positive feedback from our clients and our people. Together, we will focus on our strategic vision and build on this fantastic platform."
The global firm’s ‘new chapter’ continues its strong evolution since Silver Circle firm Herbert Smith merged with Big 6 Australian firm Freehills in 2012. The firm’s Johannesburg office, led by Meijer, has grown and strengthened significantly since it was established in 2015, and now numbers more than 40 lawyers, with several highly ranked partners who are recognised market leaders in their respective fields.
While other international firms announced closures of South African offices during the past year, the now Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer remains dedicated to Africa, where it has worked on legal matters in all 54 countries. When appointed Chair of the global Africa Practice last September, Martin Kavanagh underlined their commitment to South Africa, and the wider continent. “The Johannesburg office is central to our Africa strategy and the continued growth of the Africa practice.”
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has an extensive footprint and global reach that offers immediate synergies in areas including private equity, bankruptcy and restructuring, disputes, real estate, and securitisation, and provides clients with unparalleled support on complex transactions and high-stakes disputes.
"In today’s fast-evolving and uncertain macroeconomic landscape, clients need a truly global law firm with deep local insight across all their key markets,” says Justin D'Agostino, Global CEO. “Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is uniquely positioned to deliver exceptional outcomes in an increasingly complex and interconnected world."