Freehills and Herbert Smith have today officially opened an office in New York. The office will initially operate as Herbert Smith New York until the new merged entity Herbert Smith Freehills officially launches on 1 October.

The New York office will focus solely on complex cross-border disputes work, particularly international arbitration, anti-corruption and cross-border investigations and handling the US end of cross-border litigation.

The new office will boast some high profile talent following the recruitment of six leading US commercial litigation partners from Chadbourne & Parke, along with the additional recruitment of fifteen fee-earners from the same firm. 

"Opening in New York is a very exciting development and a key component in fulfilling Herbert Smith Freehills' ambition of offering a genuinely global service to our international clients," said Freehills' Chief Executive Gavin Bell in a statement.