We are very proud to announce that Simon Chapman, Head of Greater China Disputes, is to be appointed Queen’s Counsel.
The award of Queen’s Counsel is for excellence in both written and oral advocacy before the higher courts and arbitration tribunals. Simon is to be one of only 4 solicitor-advocates amongst the 114 QCs appointed this year. Simon will be one of a handful of Solicitor QCs in Asia, and the fourth QC currently practising at Herbert Smith Freehills. The prestigious appointment of QC is made by Her Majesty The Queen on the advice of the UK Lord Chancellor, following consideration by an independent Queen’s Counsel Selection Panel. The appointment is given to distinguished practitioners based on merit, and in recognition of their professional ability, reputation and integrity.
Simon is an international arbitration specialist focusing on cross-border disputes in Asia. He leads the Herbert Smith Freehills Practice in Greater China and appears regularly as lead counsel before arbitral tribunals all over the world. His practice covers both investment treaty and commercial arbitration and he has particular expertise in claims in fraud and breach of warranty, as well as post-M&A, joint venture, and shareholder disputes. Simon’s clients have included governments, state-owned entities, sovereign wealth funds and corporations across a range of industries, including the energy, private equity, finance, hospitality, and TMT sectors.
“With Simon’s appointment, Herbert Smith Freehills joins a very small group of firms that can offer its clients in-house access to senior advocacy through a practising QC based in Asia” said Executive Partner and CEO Elect Justin D’Agostino. “The appointment highlights the high calibre of talent and the bench strength of the firm’s market-leading disputes practice in the region and across our global disputes practice.”
“Simon is an extremely talented advocate, and we are very proud of this richly deserved appointment”, said Paula Hodges QC, Global Head of the International Arbitration practice at Herbert Smith Freehills. “It reflects Simon’s legal excellence and demonstrates the high esteem in which he is held by his peers, colleagues and clients.”
Simon will officially take silk at a ceremony on 16 April 2020.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
