About
At Herbert Smith Freehills, our ambition is to help you achieve your goals.
Exceptional client service and the pursuit of excellence are at our core. We invest in and care about our client relationships, which is why many are incredibly longstanding. And we enjoy breaking new ground, as we have for over 100 years.
We are where you need us to be. We are in key financial centres and major growth hubs. Our international footprint is extensive and committed. We are at our best tackling complexity and navigating change. We work alongside you on demanding contentious matters, exacting regulatory work and complex public and private market transactions. We are recognised as leading in these areas.
We are immersed in the sectors and challenges that impact you. We are recognised as standing apart in energy, ESG, infrastructure and resources. And we're focused on areas of growth that affect every business across the world, including technoloy and digitalisation.
All of this is achieved by supporting the growth of our people, who help us deliver on our ambition - which is to help you achieve yours.
Values
Human
We’re genuine relationship builders. We’re collaborative, generous and kind, respectful of the contributions of others and we share credit for work well done.
We embrace difference. We not only value it, but benefit from the insight and diverse perspectives it brings.
Bold
We’re ambitious. We’re proud of our past, excited about the future and think tomorrow can be better than today.
We’re entrepreneurial. We’re not afraid to do things differently to fulfil our goals, we ask ‘what if’, ‘why not’ and believe anything is possible.
Outstanding
We strive to be leaders in all we do. We know individual and collective growth and success is a shared responsibility.
We are ethical, professional, client-centred and commercial. We’re solutions-focused problem-solvers, known for our insight and expertise.
What sets us apart
Broadest Band‑1 Coverage
One of few firms simultaneously ranked Tier 1 for M&A, banking, projects and disputes, giving new lawyers the freedom to explore multiple high‑end practices before specialising.
Fully Integrated Global Partnership
A single profit pool across 28 offices and a June 2025 merger with New‑York’s Kramer Levin means Aussie juniors work seamlessly on US‑linked deals or investigations without referral hurdles.
Big‑Case Litigation DNA
The firm’s disputes group runs royal commissions and “bet‑the‑company” class actions, so early career lawyers gain courtroom exposure and strategic mentoring that many corporate‑only firms can’t match.
Inclusive Performance Culture
Repeated Employer‑of‑Choice awards and public gender targets back up policies on flexibility and mentoring, signalling that high performance and supportive culture aren’t mutually exclusive.
