Scott Balber appointed managing partner of Herbert Smith Freehills' New York office

Herbert Smith Freehills has appointed Scott Balber to the role of Managing Partner of the firm's New York office, effective May 1, 2018. Scott will also remain the US Head of Investigations and Financial Services Litigation for the firm.

Scott succeeds Thomas Riley, who is stepping down from the role he successfully held for more than five years, since the opening of the firm's New York office in September 2012. Tom was instrumental in establishing the firm's US presence and under his leadership the team in New York has doubled in size, with 11 partners and more than 30 lawyers and other fee-earners.

A leading litigator with 25 years of experience, Scott joined Herbert Smith Freehills' New York office in 2013 to lead the firm's US-based corporate crime and investigations team – a strategic enhancement to the firm's highly-regarded global Corporate Crime and Investigations Practice.

Scott's practice focuses primarily on internal investigations, securities and financial services litigation, and white collar criminal defense. He also maintains a stellar track record as a corporate problem solver for his high-profile clients, including: financial institutions, major corporations, high-profile individuals and public officials.

Recognized in Chambers Global 2018 and Benchmark Litigation, Scott has carved out an enviable reputation as a market-leading lawyer, both in the United States and across the globe. Scott is also a seasoned trial lawyer – he has first-chaired over 30 trials and has appeared in the United States Supreme Court and in state and federal trial and appellate courts throughout the United States. He has represented clients in connection with investigations before both chambers of the United States Congress.

Commenting on his new role, Scott said:

"Our New York office has been very successful since launching in 2012. I have big shoes to fill in light of Tom's tremendous contributions to the office and firm and look forward to building upon the solid foundation that has been established in the United States. In addition to maintaining our world-class reputation in disputes, we will continue to strengthen our full-range of service offerings as well as raise the visibility of our US brand."

Tom Riley added:

"It was a great pleasure and honor to have launched the New York office. This year, the New York office is on track to have its best year yet, and we are poised for continued growth and success. I am very happy to see Scott step into his new role – he is a dynamic business developer and forward-thinker – making him a great fit to lead our New York team. "

Herbert Smith Freehills' CEO Mark Rigotti said:

"Our New York office has seen steady expansion in recent years and is well-positioned to continue with its growth trajectory in the United States, which remains a priority market for the firm. I am very grateful to Tom for his hard work and commitment to setting up our New York office, and for his dedication to ensuring its continued success. I am also pleased to welcome Scott to the role and I look forward to working with him as he leads the team in New York."

The New York office comprises a team of lawyers who represent clients on matters throughout the United States and in other countries, providing seamless and integrated services across the firm's global network. Most recently, in September 2017, the firm announced the appointment of its first US-based corporate partner, James Robinson, who focuses on outbound cross-border mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures and antitrust issues for multinational corporations on their investments into Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The New York office also forms a hub for the firm's Latin America Practice, which includes a multi-disciplinary team of finance, infrastructure and disputes attorneys. The Latin America team in New York is led by prominent international arbitration partner Christian Leathley and includes project finance partner Edward Dougherty, who joined the firm in September 2016, and projects and infrastructure partner Juan-José Zentner, who relocated to the New York office in March 2016 from the firm's Melbourne, Australia office.

About Herbert Smith Freehills' New York Office

The New York office of Herbert Smith Freehills includes a team of seasoned litigators as well as international arbitration specialists representing clients in a wide range of commercial litigation, investigations, cross-border matters and class actions throughout the United States. New York is also a hub for the firm's global Latin America practice with a focus on infrastructure and project finance matters. Additionally, New York has a cross-border M&A practice with a focus on outbound investments into Asia-Pac and EMEA. Lawyers in New York are qualified to practice in the United Kingdom, France, Singapore, Ecuador, New Zealand and Australia.

About Herbert Smith Freehills

Operating from 27 offices across Asia Pacific, EMEA and North America, Herbert Smith Freehills is at the heart of the new global business landscape providing premium quality, full-service legal advice. The firm provides many of the world’s most important organisations with access to market-leading dispute resolution, projects and transactional legal advice, combined with expertise in a number of global industry sectors, including Banks, Consumer Products, Energy, Financial Buyers, Infrastructure & Transport, Mining, Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare, Real Estate, TMT and Manufacturing & Industrials.

http://www.herbertsmithfreehills.com/

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