20 Facts About Herbert Smith Freehills

Global Reach and Structure

Herbert Smith Freehills is a powerhouse in the legal world, known for its extensive network and unique structure.

1. Global Presence: With offices in major cities like London, New York, Sydney, and Singapore, Herbert Smith Freehills operates on a truly global scale.
2. Structure: The firm functions as a network of separate member firms, each tailored to its local jurisdiction. For example, Herbert Smith Freehills New York LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales.
3. Regulation: The firm is regulated by the Solicitors' Regulation Authority of England and Wales, ensuring compliance with stringent legal standards. Different regulations apply to its entities in other jurisdictions.

Client Engagement and Confidentiality

Understanding how Herbert Smith Freehills engages with clients and handles confidentiality is crucial.

4. Client Representation: The firm does not establish a client-lawyer relationship through its website. Clients must be accepted through a mutual agreement in writing, following a standard new business intake review process.
5. New York Office: Located at 200 Park Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10166, the New York office can be reached at +1 917 542 7600 (phone) and +1 917 542 7601 (fax).
6. Client Representation Process: Interested clients must contact the firm to determine whether the matter falls within their scope of professional responsibility. This process involves a thorough review to ensure no conflict of interest with current or former clients.
7. Confidentiality: Information submitted to the firm via email or other means is not considered confidential. The firm reserves the right to decline representation if it would create a conflict of interest.

Commitment to Social Responsibility

Herbert Smith Freehills is dedicated to making a positive impact through various initiatives.

8. Pro Bono Work: The firm is committed to pro bono legal work, having represented clients like the Public Law Project in high-profile cases.
9. Diversity and Inclusion: Prioritizing diversity and inclusion, the firm drives positive change through initiatives such as Pro Bono Legal, Diversity & Inclusion, Social Impact, and Sustainability.

Focus on Innovation and Policy

Herbert Smith Freehills stays ahead by focusing on emerging technologies and policy analysis.

10. Artificial Intelligence: The firm assesses key policies related to artificial intelligence, focusing on the stability of the G10 economy and its impact on business and investors.
11. Hydrogen Power: Reports on hydrogen power discuss its potential and challenges in the context of carbon-free energy.
12. Economic Crime Act: The firm has analyzed the UK's Economic Crime Act, assessing its impact on business both domestically and internationally through a podcast series.

Legal Advertising and Compliance

The firm adheres to strict guidelines to ensure transparency and compliance.

13. Tax Law Compliance: The firm’s website is not intended for taxpayers seeking to avoid penalties under U.S. Federal tax law. Any use of the website for such purposes is prohibited.
14. Legal Advertising: Some content on the firm’s website constitutes attorney advertising, as defined by New York Codes, Rules and Regulatory Advertising Regulations. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Emphasis on Clear Communication

Herbert Smith Freehills values clear and effective communication, both internally and externally.

15. Plain Language Guidelines: The firm adheres to plain language principles in its communications, ensuring clarity and readability. This approach is aligned with guidelines set by organizations like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
16. SEC Guidelines: The SEC has developed plain-English guidelines for mutual-fund prospectuses, which include recommendations such as using clear, concise sections, descriptive headings, and avoiding legal jargon.
17. Plain English Handbook: The SEC’s Plain English Handbook provides practical advice on composing clear financial disclosures. This handbook aims to make financial information more accessible to investors.
18. Warren Buffett’s Approach: Warren Buffett emphasizes the importance of using plain English in financial reporting. He writes annual reports as if addressing his sisters, ensuring they understand the information without needing to be experts in accounting or finance.

Legal Writing Best Practices

Effective legal writing is a cornerstone of Herbert Smith Freehills' practice.

19. Legal Writing Best Practices: Good legal writing involves keeping sentences short, avoiding excessive use of the passive voice, using active verbs frequently, and breaking up long paragraphs. Textual footnotes and long block quotations should be minimized, and the brief should flow logically and clearly.
20. Impact on Litigation: The clarity and effectiveness of legal briefs can significantly influence the outcome of litigation. While more citations to Supreme Court cases can be beneficial, excessive citations may be seen as blatant appeals to the ego of the targeted justice. Similarly, using language that is too simple or too complex can negatively impact the brief’s effectiveness.

Herbert Smith Freehills: A Global Legal Powerhouse

Herbert Smith Freehills stands out as a major player in the legal world. With a global presence in cities like London, New York, Sydney, and Singapore, the firm offers top-notch legal services. Their commitment to pro bono work and diversity and inclusion initiatives showcases their dedication to social responsibility. They also keep an eye on future trends, like artificial intelligence and hydrogen power, ensuring they stay ahead of the curve.

The firm's approach to plain language in legal writing makes complex information accessible. This clarity can significantly impact litigation outcomes. Their thorough client representation process and strict confidentiality policies ensure trust and reliability.

Herbert Smith Freehills isn't just about legal expertise; they're about making a positive impact. From economic crime analysis to sustainability efforts, they cover all bases. This blend of tradition and innovation makes them a true leader in the legal field.