Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP's practice harnesses expertise in the breath of construction matters, with a practice dedicated to disputes and arbitration arising out of large-scale construction and infrastructure projects. Disputes specialist Ben Jolley, who leads the practice, represents clients across a range of sectors including construction, infrastructure, energy and manufacturing. Elaine Wong has well-established capabilities handling international arbitration, litigation and investigations. Andrew Blacoe continues to advise on key development projects, while David Gilmore returned to the Tokyo office in January 2025 and focuses on international dispute resolution.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘A construction team that actually know about construction.’
- ‘They are approachable, they listen to what you have to say, and they provide constructive feedback.’
- ‘Ben Jolley's understanding of Japanese business sets him apart from other foreign lawyers in the market.’
- 'Elaine Wong gave us excellent opinions which always contribute not only to our legal services but also to our business itself. She seems to be more realistic than other attorneys.'
- 'Ben Jolley has been supporting us for a long time with his excellent expertise in dispute resolutions.'
- 'The HSF team has been showing us its distinguished expertise in a wider range of services and the depth of its legal analysis. Their teamwork and collaboration with our team are excellent.'
Key clients
- First Gen Corporation
- Mitsubishi Corporation
- Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd.
Work highlights
Continuing to advise First Gen Corporation, the largest natural gas consumer in the Philippines, on its project to build and operate the first LNG import terminal in the Philippines.
Advising Mitsubishi Corporation and Sumitomo Metal Mining as a consortium in relation to their funding and proposed joint venture with Kalgoorlie Nickel Pty Ltd to develop the KNP - Goongarrie Hub nickel project in Western Australia.
Lawyers
Leading partners: Gaiben
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Ben Jolley
Other key lawyers
Elaine Wong; Andrew Blacoe; David Gilmore