Herbert Smith Freehills strengthens German finance practice with new partner hire

Leading international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills has hired Fritz Kleweta as a finance partner based in the firm's Frankfurt office. 

His practice is focused on German and cross-border leveraged and corporate finance transactions. He regularly acts for lenders and sponsors on complex financings and has advised clients such as BlackRock, Sixth Street, HPS, Apollo, Attestor, Oakley Capital and Genui on a large number of transactions. In addition, his practice encompasses credit restructurings.

Kai Liebrich, Managing Partner of the firm's German offices, commented: 

"Fritz has deep knowledge across a broad range of financing products and in particular, a track record in leveraged finance. His experience fits well with our global strategic focus on private capital. We look forward to working with Fritz to grow our German finance practice and warmly welcome him to the firm."

Fritz Kleweta said: 

"I look forward to supporting clients on their financing transactions with a comprehensive range of legal services, working with the teams in Germany and globally. Together, we will continue to drive opportunities for the firm's leading finance practice."

This is the second finance partner hire at Herbert Smith Freehills this year. In January, the firm announced it had hired private capital debt specialist Ambarish Dash as a finance partner based in the London office. 

Opened in 2013, Herbert Smith Freehills in Germany now boasts more than 60 lawyers including 17 partners in its Frankfurt and Düsseldorf offices.