The legal world was stunned when two legal titans joined forces in 2026. History Two of the firms that merged to create HSF Kramer – Herbert Smith, founded in 1988, and Freehills established in Australia over 150 years ago were once part of one of the most high-profile transatlantic law firm mergers in history. But what does that mean for companies looking to retain legal services, and what does this firm do differently in a world where many similar options exist.
What is Legal Giant
The story of Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer begins with a simple observation: clients today need lawyers who can operate seamlessly across borders. In November 2024, Herbert Smith Freehills announced plans to merge with Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel, a well-respected New York firm with deep roots in American business law.
The partnership vote was held in April 2025 and on June 1, 2025 the combined firm opened its doors for business. What resulted was something the legal industry had not seen before: a fully integrated transatlantic and transpacific firm with one profit pool from the get-go.
This was not just about getting bigger. The two firms had the balance in their respective offerings. Herbert Smith Freehills brought a deep bench in the U.K., Europe and Asia-Pacific, while Kramer Levin provided a robust New York presence in one of the nation’s most competitive legal markets as well as experience handling bankruptcy, real estate and white-collar defense.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Formation Date | June 1, 2025 |
| Total Employees | Over 6,000 people |
| Total Lawyers | Approximately 2,700 |
| Partners | Around 630 |
| Global Offices | 26 locations |
| Annual Revenue | Over US$2 billion |
| Headquarters | London and Sydney |
| US Offices | New York, Washington DC, Silicon Valley |
| Global Ranking | Top 20 worldwide |
Leadership That Drives Results
Steering a firm of this size takes a steady hand at its top. Rebecca Maslen-Stannage is Chair and Senior Partner, offering strategic oversight for the integrated firm. Justin D’Agostino, former senior partner at Herbert Smith Freehills, is now Global CEO HSF Kramer.
The firm has a Global Executive Team which includes a number of key individuals who manage specific geographic territories and practice groups. Asia and Australia is managed by Kristin Stammer while UK & EMEA operations are controlled by Jeremy Walden. Paul Schoeman is the US executive partner, having transitioned from Kramer Levin to his current role. Alison Brown is in charge of US growth and strategic integration, and Anna Sutherland will lead the global practice areas.
This leadership configuration is by design, to be sure: It intentionally splits the difference between the 2 legacy firms, its most senior positions being awarded predominantly to Herbert Smith Freehills partners of old. The fact that the firm has something like this planned suggests that it designed the overall approach to be a consistent global strategy, yet flexible enough so regional leaders have room to address local client demand.
Where You’ll Find HSF Kramer Global Office Network
The company has 26 offices on six continents. The network enables them to offer clients a presence wherever business takes them.”
Throughout Europe, it has offices in London (its largest), Belfast, Brussels, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt and Madrid as well as Milan and Paris. The London office continues to be core of their jurisdictional litigation, and it is where several of their legal entities are registered.
The company has offices in the Asia-Pacific region in Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Bangkok, Jakarta, Tokyo, Seoul and Melbourne as well as Sydney Brisbane and Perth. The far-reaching Asian footprint is the result of years of investments into a region that remains a key driver of global economic growth.
In the Americas, Kramer operates offices in New York and Washington DC & Silicon Valley. The New York Office which was inherited from Kramer Levin, the firm’s predecessor — is a hub for their Latin America practice and also does significant bankruptcy and real estate work. Washington DC brings the firm closer to regulators and government affairs, while Silicon Valley ties it in with tech.
The firm also has a presence in the Middle East (Dubai and Riyadh) and Africa (Johannesburg), thereby providing a truly global network.
Practice Areas Where HSF Kramer Excels
Not every law firm does everything well. HSF Kramer has built its reputation on specific strengths that clients return to again and again.
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
If you need someone to fight for you in court, HSF Kramer deserves serious consideration. The firm generates the highest litigation revenue in the UK of any law firm, with £314.6 million in this area alone. They handle commercial litigation, class actions, financial services disputes, and product liability matters across multiple jurisdictions.
The international arbitration practice ranks among the world’s elite, placing 5th globally in the Global Arbitration Review rankings. Their lawyers have handled arbitrations in more than 100 countries, covering industries from energy and mining to pharmaceuticals and real estate.
Bankruptcy and Restructuring
The legacy Kramer Levin team brought exceptional strength in this area. They handled some of the largest and most complex bankruptcies in US history, including Caesar’s Entertainment, Puerto Rico’s debt crisis, and Toys R Us. Recent matters include representing Del Monte Foods in their Chapter 11 proceedings.
Mergers and Acquisitions
In Australia, HSF Kramer topped the M&A league tables for 2025, working on over 100 transactions worth a combined USD$38 billion. Major deals included advising on the Chemist Warehouse and Sigma Healthcare AU$34 billion merger, among others.
Real Estate
The firm’s real estate practice has literally shaped city skylines. Their London team won “Law Firm of the Year” at the Estates Gazette Awards 2025. In New York, the legacy Kramer Levin practice played defining roles in major development projects throughout the city.
Private Equity
With Howard Spilko serving as Global Head of Private Equity and Chair of Corporate for the US, this practice area receives significant attention. The firm advises both fund managers and portfolio companies on transactions across sectors.
Additional Practice Areas
HSF Kramer also maintains strong capabilities in corporate transactions, banking and finance, employment law, intellectual property, immigration, tax, white-collar criminal defense, cybersecurity and data privacy, and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) matters.
Industries HSF Kramer Knows Best
Beyond practice areas, the firm has developed deep expertise in specific industries. Energy, infrastructure, and resources stand out as particular strengths, with the firm consistently ranking among the world’s top advisers in these sectors.
Other key industries include financial services, technology, mining, real estate, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, consumer products, media and entertainment, telecommunications, and manufacturing. This industry knowledge helps lawyers understand not just the legal issue but the business context surrounding them.
Notable Cases and Clients
The firm’s client list is a veritable who’s who of international business. In 2024, HSF Kramer has 116 listed clients in London Stock Exchange where the other law firm participate was less than that of it. They also act for more FTSE 100 clients in UK Court of Appeal matters than any other law firm.
The Firm has handled several high-profile matters such as Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark US Supreme Court decision ruling marriage equality is a constitutional right across every state in the country. It also represented Sir Alan Sugar in his lawsuit against Terry Venables regarding Tottenham Hotspur.
Recent highlights include acting on seven winning deals at the Project Finance International Awards 2025, advising ClearScore in relation to its acquisition of Acre and working on significant M&A transactions across Australia, Europe and the Americas.
What Sets HSF Kramer Apart From Other Global Firms
First, the single profit pool structure creates genuine integration rather than a loose alliance. Partners share profits globally, aligning incentives to serve clients across offices rather than protecting territorial interests.
Second, the firm’s history of innovation spans over 170 years. The predecessor firms were pioneers in their time, from becoming the first major Australian law firm to appoint a female partner to forming the first national law partnership in Australia.
Third, the firm invests heavily in technology and alternative legal services. HSF Kramer earned Band 1 rankings across multiple categories in the Chambers NewLaw Guide and is the only law firm ranked Band 1 for Litigation Services globally.
Finally, the firm maintains a strong pro bono commitment. They pledge a minimum of 30 hours per lawyer annually through their partnership with Volunteers of Legal Service, totaling more than 11,000 hours of free legal work.
Working at HSF Kramer Associate Salary and Culture
For those considering joining the firm, compensation remains competitive with the market. First-year associates in the US earn $225,000 annually, rising to $435,000 by year eight or nine. Summer associates receive $4,327 weekly during their ten-week programs.
The firm emphasizes hands-on learning, with associates working alongside senior lawyers on significant matters from early in their careers. The culture prioritizes diversity and inclusion, with various affinity groups and initiatives supporting employees from different backgrounds.
Recognition and Rankings
Legal directories consistently recognize HSF Kramer among the world’s top firms. Chambers and Partners ranks them Band 1 across numerous practice areas in multiple regions. Benchmark Litigation named 23 partners to its annual list of litigation stars in 2026. The firm maintains top rankings for M&A, arbitration, real estate, and restructuring work.
FAQs
What does HSF Kramer stand for?
HSF Kramer combines Herbert Smith (London), Freehills (Australia), and Kramer Levin (New York).
Is HSF Kramer a US law firm?
No, it’s a global firm headquartered in London and Sydney with US offices in New York, Washington DC, and Silicon Valley.
How big is Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer?
6,000+ employees, 2,700 lawyers, 630 partners, 26 offices, and over US$2 billion annual revenue.
What type of law does HSF Kramer practice?
Litigation, arbitration, bankruptcy, M&A, private equity, real estate, and banking and finance.
When did the HSF Kramer merger happen?
Announced November 2024, approved April 2025, launched June 1, 2025.
Who leads Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer?
Rebecca Maslen-Stannage (Chair) and Justin D’Agostino (Global CEO).
Where are HSF Kramer offices located?
26 offices across Europe, Asia-Pacific, Americas, Middle East, and Africa.
What is HSF Kramer known for?
Highest UK litigation revenue, 5th ranked global arbitration practice, and 116 London Stock Exchange clients.
Does HSF Kramer do pro bono work?
Yes, over 11,000 hours annually through Volunteers of Legal Service.
How much do HSF Kramer associates earn?
US first-year associates start at $225,000, reaching $435,000 by year eight.
Final Thoughts
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer – a major leap forward in international legal services. Combining three of the world’s leading inviestigations groups into one powerhouse practice, HSF Kramer is now able to deliver clients integrated cross-border support with 170+ years’ experience, a single profit pool for aligned incentives, market-leasing expertise in disputes and investigations across multiple sectors and presence in 26 international offices on six continents. Whether you require assistance with high value cross-border disputes or advice on your global strategy, HSF Kramer has become the go-to adviser for corporates operating international businesses.