The office will initially operate as Herbert Smith New York until Herbert Smith Freehills officially launches on 1 October.

The New York office will focus solely on complex cross–border disputes work, specifically focused on international arbitration, anti-corruption and cross-border investigations, litigation supporting investigations and arbitration, and handling the US end of cross-border litigation for network clients.

Freehills’ chief executive, Gavin Bell, who will be joint chief executive of Herbert Smith Freehills, said the office would open with a strong team in place.

The New York office opens with 6 partners, 14 fee-earners, and 9 business services staff, and will be headed by Thomas Riley, who will take on the role of the managing partner.

“We are confident the New York office will be an excellent platform to attract a wide variety of complex cross-border disputes work and confirm our standing as a premier global disputes brand.”

Prior to establishing the New York office, Herbert Smith announced last month the recruitment of six leading US commercial litigation partners from Chadbourne & Parke and today confirms the additional recruitment of fifteen fee-earners from the same firm. 

The New York office will open in temporary accommodation at 1745 Broadway, NY, NY 10019 until it moves to its permanent office in January 2013.