Growing investment in the country from rising Asian economies has been the main driver of interest in Australia by global law firms. The Australian mining and energy sectors have been particular targets for investment by large Chinese state-owned enterprises. Energy is a major practice strength for both firms
The merger with Herbert Smith will give Freehills greater access to Asian markets. Herbert Smith has offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Tokyo, and Singapore. Freehills, which has been more hesitant about Asian expansion than many of its Australian rivals like Mallesons, only has a Singapore office outside of Australia. Freehills has so far mainly pursued Asian business through alliances with Chinas TransAsia Lawyers, Indonesias Soemadipradja & Taher, and Vietnams Frasers Law Company.
