Herbert Smith Freehills

We round off the first week of our Christmas countdown predictions with the views of Charlie Morgan, who considers the continuing impact of #AI and advanced #digital services on businesses. For more information on our AI offering, please see here: https://lnkd.in/gjg8zEfY

We are excited to announce Alumni Matters 2024 is now available. As always, we are very pleased to feature so many of our talented alumni and share their stories and perspectives with you. This year’s theme, ‘Ambition in Action,’ is especially relevant for the global business landscape, and our diverse and ambitious alumni, as well as our firm. Ambition drives us to thrive, matching desire with determination. The challenge is to balance ambition’s harder edges with the soft skills and humility that demonstrate authenticity and differentiate success from failure in today’s world. In this issue, we showcase alumni and colleagues who are pushing boundaries and striving for success, exploring innovative ways to excel across various industries and roles. Read and download your copy of Alumni Matters 2024 here. https://lnkd.in/ezJeiDBb

The importance, and challenge, of ESG has never been more profound in the real estate sector, and it is essential for clients to factor ESG considerations into their strategies. Our podcast series 'Going for Green on Real Estate Transactions' explores how ESG is impacting the key legal documents on commercial real estate projects and how to champion ESG priorities in: (1) construction; (2) agreements for lease; (3) leases; and (4) the investment market. Click through here to access the episodes: https://lnkd.in/eTmThs3v. The recordings, as well as other latest updates and thought-leadership initiatives, can be accessed on our Real Estate Development Notes blog here: https://lnkd.in/ewNZdNYa   #ESG #Sustainability #Decarbonisation #commercialrealestate #construction #leases #HSFRealEstate

Our Real Estate partner Matthew Bonye passed away unexpectedly at the end of October after a short illness. Matthew's passing was a tremendous shock. Matthew dedicated his entire professional life to Herbert Smith Freehills, joining as an articled clerk in September 1992 and building a remarkable 32-year career in the legal field. He was renowned for his exceptional intellect and legal acumen, qualities that made him a trusted adviser to our clients. He had a special ability to navigate complex legal challenges, often transforming seemingly impossible situations into successful outcomes. Matthew's knowledge of property law was so profound that one former associate described him as having “swallowed Woodfall” – the definitive textbook for property lawyers. Throughout his career, Matthew worked on landmark and high-profile cases, including for the London Eye, Tate Modern and on a dispute over the Guinness brewery at Park Royal in London. His contributions to the real estate sector earned him countless accolades, including recognition as a “legend in his field” in legal directories; induction into the Legal 500 Hall of Fame; and a feature as The Times Lawyer of the Week. And Matthew was revered just as much for how he approached life. A calm and measured presence in the office – and an inspirational mentor – Matthew was the go-to person for anyone facing a challenging problem, professional or personal. He provided sage advice with kindness, great wisdom and a cool head. He was proud of his work and proud, in particular, of his team. His enthusiasm inspired numerous trainees to qualify into his team and pursue careers with the firm. Many of those trainees are now partners at the firm. He was also a great supporter of our pro bono practice, leading on a number of cases for vulnerable clients and supporting a new clinic helping people recover tenancy deposits from unscrupulous landlords. Beyond his legal prowess, Matthew was a man of diverse talents and interests. He served as a Trustee of the Architecture Foundation, which campaigns for a better built environment. An accomplished musician, he played the piano by ear and was the bass guitarist in the London Real Estate band – the "rock-solid rhythmic foundation", in the words of a bandmate. A terrific quizzer, he frequently walked away with the top prize in our real estate client quiz. Matthew was also an avid cyclist and triathlete, and a regular in the firm's Surrey Centurion cycling challenge. Matthew brought joy to the lives of those around him. He was truly a gentleman, and we will miss him deeply. Our thoughts are with Matthew's wife, Olwen, and his daughters, Hannah and Naomi. 

The number of class actions in Germany is likely to increase in coming years due to recent legislative changes and the growing use of legal technology. Firms are developing growing specialisation in this area of law and there are more funders prepared to support litigation. Our global class actions series provides insights from leaders in the field across key jurisdictions, helping you navigate this complex terrain. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gm7RWBRC #ClassActions #LegalTrends #RiskManagement

Last week, Anne Petitjean and Thomas HERMAN spoke at the Data Centre World Paris conference, a renowned event which brought together professionals from across the TMT sector. Anne explored how to develop and successfully complete a data centre project, discussing areas such as regulatory compliance, recycling, and electricity and cooling requirements, while Thomas analysed the impact of the changes in French, European and American regulations on data centres, including an overview of the revolution of regulatory practices in France and Europe. The firm was also a proud sponsor of the event. Our data centre guide delves into some of the key legal issues across the full spectrum of data centre projects and transactions. To access the guide, please see here: https://lnkd.in/eERRnbS3 #datacentres #TMT #energytransition 

Banks worldwide face change on an unprecedented scale: from increased competition and regulatory pressure, to emerging technology and changing customer expectations. In our Global Bank Review Podcast, we explore 'debanking' in the financial services sector and the critical issues banks need to consider. Join our hosts, Jenny Stainsby, Jacqui Wootton, and Matthew Eglezos who break down how banks are adapting to evolving regulatory and customer expectations. Listen here - https://lnkd.in/eyKedTrS #banking #banks #GlobalBankReview #financialservices

Another successful private capital investment for our Tokyo, UK and Australian teams, advising Cool Japan Fund クールジャパン機構 on its investment in the UK's Inside Travel Group | B Corp™. Already the UK's leading Japan travel specialist, Inside Travel will use Cool Japan Fund's support to further growth in high-end travellers visiting Japan from the UK, US and Australia.   Joe Fisher, Dylan Doran Kennett, Damien Roberts, Alexander Chuprunov, Tom Watkins Read more: https://bit.ly/49qrSWn

With Christmas less than a month away, we're kicking off our countdown to the holidays with predictions from our lawyers. Looking ahead to 2025, venture/growth capital expert Dylan Doran Kennett foresees an uptick in deal-making activity driven partly by lower interest rates. For more information on our venture capital and growth offerings, please see here: https://lnkd.in/eAq3MBH6 #privatecapital #venturecapital #growthcapital #2025legalpredictions

We are deeply saddened to share that Dorothy Livingston, our dear friend and former colleague, has passed away. Her passing is a significant loss to the legal profession and to us, her colleagues and friends. Dorothy was a pioneer in the legal industry. She retired from legal practice last year after celebrating over 53 years with our firm, including as a partner for nearly 30 years and an international authority on both competition and finance law. Dorothy graduated from Oxford University in 1969 – one of only a dozen women in her year reading law alongside over 150 men. When she joined Herbert Smith the following year, Dorothy was one of only a handful of women in City law firms. From that point onward, Dorothy forged a career as one of the most distinguished lawyers in Europe. When promoted to the partnership, Dorothy became Herbert Smith's second-ever woman partner and our only woman partner for the next three years. She was also the first woman partner to return to work after having her children, Katherine and Alice. She became the inspiration for the First 100 Years project, charting the journey of women in law since 1919. She was a role model for many, particularly for women in law, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of lawyers. Dorothy had a tireless enthusiasm for the law, as well as an unmatched depth and breadth of legal and technical expertise. After the UK joined the EEC/EU, Dorothy was among those who recognised the importance of competition law as a practice area, and played a major role in its development, founding our competition practice. Indeed, Dorothy advised clients on the UK joining the EEC/EU in the 1970s right up to and after Brexit. She took great pleasure in her role as a judge for the King's College London Competition Law Moot, the world's leading moot court competition focused on EU competition law.  She was also a founder of our finance practice and chaired the City of London Law Society Financial Law Committee for 25 years, contributing to the development of financial law. It was this ability to adapt her skillset, to expand her expertise and take on challenges, that marked Dorothy out as a true pioneer. In 2013, in recognition of these accomplishments – and more – Dorothy received one of the UK's most prestigious awards for individual lawyers: the City of London Law Society's Lifetime Achievement Award at the British Legal Awards. Beyond the many professional achievements, we will remember Dorothy best for the genuine interest she showed in people inside and outside the firm, borne out in her many acts of kindness, large and small. She was a human and supportive colleague, mentor and above all friend to so many of us, and we will miss her greatly. Our thoughts are with Dorothy's family and the many people who were privileged to call her a friend. A memorial service will take place in London in the new year: please contact Joanne.High@hsf.com if you would like to be updated.