Leading international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills has appointed Tokyo partner Andrew Blacoe to lead the firm’s North Asia corporate practice, a new role to respond to client demand and the firm’s continued Asia expansion.
In his new role, Andrew will lead the practice in Tokyo and Seoul to strengthen corporate law services to clients based in that region, and advise on their work around the firm’s global network.
He succeeds Tokyo partner Graeme Preston, who has been reappointed to lead the firm’s corporate practice across Asia, a role he has held since 2019.
“Andrew has a deep knowledge of our clients’ ambitions for their regional and global businesses, gained since arriving in Tokyo in 2010,” said Graeme. “Given record client demand for our North Asia corporate practice, his new role provides the additional support that our clients and teams deserve.”
“North Asia’s companies are at the forefront of investment in the energy transition and the digital transformation,” said Andrew. “I’m excited to be assuming this new role at such a pivotal time for these companies in a fast-changing and disrupted business environment.”
“Japanese and Korean companies have taken a very strong lead in countering this disruption, particularly in energy transition and digitalisation, and we will be working hard to ensure we provide the legal advisors and insights they need to succeed.”
Andrew’s role, and Graeme’s reappointment, were effective 1 May 2022.
Where the legal industry reads first.
Enjoyed this article? Get the biggest legal industry updates, deals, appointments, insights and expert interviews in your inbox, free.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.