To support the growth of its private capital practice, Herbert Smith Freehills--a leading international law firm specialising in dispute resolution, transactions and mergers and acquisitions across key industries--will open a new office in Luxembourg in early 2025, subject to approval by the Luxembourg Bar. This expansion is part of the firm’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in key European markets, the firm announced on Wednesday 27 November 2024. Alongside the Luxembourg office, the firm has further bolstered its corporate practice with the appointment of three senior partners specialising in funds, M&A and tax.
The Luxembourg office will serve as a strategic hub for the firm’s private capital operations across Europe, a key focus area for its continued growth. In parallel, Herbert Smith Freehills is expanding its capabilities in the US through its planned merger with Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel.
Joining the firm’s corporate practice in Luxembourg are three new partners: Joanna Pecenik Vergès d’Espagne, Marc Tkatcheff and Jean-Dominique Morelli. Pecenik Vergès d’Espagne, who joins from A&O Shearman, brings over 18 years of experience in asset management across Luxembourg, the US and France. Her expertise includes fund structuring, operations, financing and regulatory matters, with a particular focus on working with French asset managers on Luxembourg-based funds, the firm stated in a press release.
Tkatcheff, also joining from A&O Shearman, has 16 years of experience advising on corporate, private equity and direct lending matters. His practice includes M&A, joint ventures, financings and restructurings, with significant experience in Latin American matters, having previously led the Luxembourg-Latin America desk.
Morelli, joining from Maples & Calder, has over 18 years of experience in corporate tax advisory. His expertise centres on tax planning and structuring for mergers, acquisitions, reorganisations and joint ventures, with a particular focus on private equity real estate investments and distressed debt. He also has extensive experience in tax disputes and litigation.
Strategic growth
The opening of the Luxembourg office will enhance Herbert Smith Freehills’ ability to support its private capital clients in complex, cross-border transactions, the firm said. According to Mike Flockhart, global co-head of corporate, the move reflects the firm’s broader aim to expand its European footprint and better serve clients operating in diverse markets.
Luxembourg’s reputation as a key financial centre in Europe makes it a strategic location for the firm’s private capital operations. The new hires, alongside the Luxembourg office, are seen as crucial to the firm’s long-term growth strategy, particularly in the Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Private capital
Herbert Smith Freehills has been investing heavily in its private capital practice in recent years. Over the past two years, the firm has promoted 26 partners and made 13 lateral hires, further strengthening its expertise in private capital, funds and M&A. These investments are part of a broader strategy to enhance the firm’s capabilities in emerging areas such as ESG, energy transition and digitalisation.
In the EMEA region, the firm now has approximately 400 fee earners, including 99 partners. The growth of its corporate practice, driven by increasing demand for legal services in the private capital sector, is a key factor in the firm’s overall expansion.
Herbert Smith Freehills’ global CEO, Justin D'Agostino, emphasised that private capital remains a central pillar of the firm’s strategic growth. He expressed confidence that the addition of Pecenik Vergès d’Espagne, Tkatchef and Morelli would play a key role in advancing the firm’s European expansion and broader international ambitions.
Alison Brown, executive partner for EMEA, UK and US, also noted that the Luxembourg expansion and the recruitment of these highly regarded professionals demonstrate the firm’s continued commitment to meeting client needs in critical markets. She highlighted that investing in areas where clients require support is vital for maintaining the firm’s competitive edge in an evolving legal landscape.