21 April, 2015

Herbert Smith Freehillshas announced that international arbitration partner Simon Chapman been granted higher rights of audience (HRA) by exemption in Hong Kong.

Following enactment of the Legal Practitioners (Amendment) Bill 2009 which came into force in 2012, the new legislation allows lawyers with relevant experience to argue cases before the High Court, Court of Appeal and Court of Final Appeal, expanding the scope of work they can undertake. The Hong Kong Law Society granted Simon an exemption from the usual process of securing higher rights on the basis on his existing experience appearing as advocate before arbitral tribunals.

Paula Hodges QC, the firm’s Global Head of International Arbitration, commented:

“The fact that Simon has been granted higher rights of audience in both England & Wales and Hong Kong is a great credit to his excellent advocacy skills.  One of the hallmarks of our global arbitration practice is the fact that partners and associates appear as advocates in the vast majority of our cases.  We believe this offers significant additional value for our clients.”

Conventus Law