Praised by clients for its ‘for its efficiency and ability to handle complex cross border mandates’, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP acts for a diverse range of clients in the energy, corporate M&A, disputes resolution and banking and finance sectors. Based in London, six practitioners steer the group, Chris Parsons; Roddy Martin; Alan Montgomery; Siddhartha Shukla; Andrew Cannon; and Dhananjaya Chak. Parsons has in depth knowledge of the Indian market and is involved in large corporate deals, and Montgomery focuses his practice on restructurings and joint ventures. Martin and Shukla advise clients on M&A transactions, while Cannon leads the international arbitration practice. Chak is a key contact in the team and heads the Indian finance practice.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team is known for its efficiency and ability to handle complex cross-border mandates with tight deadlines without compromise on clarity and depth. Clients value their responsiveness and practical approach. A key strength is the team's diversity, bringing together professionals from varied backgrounds which enriches their perspectives and enhances collaboration.'

  • ‘Anuradha Agnihotri is fantastic and cuts through complex disputes. Andrew Cannon is always on top of all issues.’

  • ‘HSF has a great understanding of the Indian market. Their analysis, promptness, attention to detail and negotiation skills sets them apart from the others.’

  • ‘I highly recommend this law firm for their stellar market reputation, exceptional team of lawyers, and deep understanding of client businesses. They consistently provide practical, business-focused legal advice and are a pleasure to work with — professional, responsive, and collaborative at every step.’

  • ‘I highly recommend Andrew Cannon, a diligent and insightful lawyer with good legal and business acumen. He delivers practical, well-rounded advice, combining deep legal knowledge with strong commercial understanding. A trusted professional who adds real value to any matter.’

  • ‘Excellent, commercial advice. The advice we get from this firm always answers our questions directly without the need for us to go back and forth many times trying to get to the bottom of the answers we require. The lawyers on the team are all excellent and respond quickly.’

Key clients

  • Adani
  • Advanta Seeds
  • Agratas Energy Storage Solutions Pte Ltd
  • Airtel Africa
  • ArcelorMittal
  • Asian Development Bank
  • Aurobindo Pharma
  • Bharti Group
  • BNP Paribas
  • British American Tobacco
  • Captain Fresh
  • Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners

Work highlights

Advised JSW Group, an Indian multinational conglomerate who have acquired a significant 35% investment in MG Motors India - one of the biggest EV deals in India.
Lead project counsel in relation to Agratas' establishment of two EV battery Gigafactories in Bridgwater, Somerset, UK (£4 billion) and in Sanad, Northern Gujarat, India ($1.6 billion).
Advised a syndicate of five international lenders on the landmark ¥35.3bn yen-denominated green loan project financing for ReNew Hans Urja Private Limited's 600MW solar project in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

Practice head

Chris Parsons; Roddy Martin; Alan Montgomery; Sid Shukla; Andrew Cannon; Dhananjaya Chak