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1 Dez. 2025
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Just over a year ago, we announced our combination with Kramer Levin. After months of dedicated work, the combination officially took effect on 1 June 2025, marking the launch of Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer.
It was a particularly rewarding experience for me, having been part of the internal team advising the firm — and yes, the client was a pleasure to work with.
This edition’s theme is Transformative Change: Shaping the Future. Every day we read about disruptive innovation and there is no shortage of commentary on what it means. We are very grateful to the contributors for sharing their personal experiences and insights into what transformative change means for them and how it is shaping their organisations.
I’m delighted to welcome our many new colleagues in the US to the Alumni Network. I hope you enjoy reading the reflections of Paul Schoeman and Howard Spilko on their journey joining a global firm. Bec and Justin also share their vision for the future and the many benefits this combination brings to our clients and our people.”
Looking ahead, we’re excited to once again be hosting the Grand Reunion in May 2026 at the German Gymnasium in London. Invitations will be sent in February 2026, and we look forward to reconnecting with old and new friends. We’ll also be organising various events in other cities to bring our alumni family together.
We are committed to making the Alumni Network as relevant and valuable as possible. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or anyone on the alumni team with your thoughts — we’d love to hear from you. And if this edition inspires you to share your story, let us know!
Finally, I would like to express my thanks to Kym Somers and Olivia Troop, our editors, for bringing this magazine to life.
Ben Ward
Senior Alumni Ambassador
Features
Alumni Matters 2025
Transformative change: Shaping the future
Welcome from our Senior Alumni Ambassador
Our Senior Alumni Ambassador shares his thoughts on the latest developments from the firm and alumni network
A charmed life and career
Reflections from Jonathan Scott of a career shaped by curiosity, courage and a touch of charisma
Why we should all embrace AI
Maria Wang-Faulkner encourages everyone to capitalise enthusiastically on the potential while paying heed to the risks
In-house, In-touch
Joshua Goldman and Hannah Lee are keeping calm in high-paced environments
12 questions with…Oliver Elgie
Career milestones, unexpected lessons, Shein and ESG and what keeps him inspired
The energy trilemma
Lewis McDonald, co-head of the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Global Energy group, offers his thoughts on the energy trilemma
Energy transition at a tipping point
Mallika Mathur, Robin Carvell-Spedding, Mark Tudor and Matthew Warren unpack the three-way balancing act facing policymakers and industry leaders alike
It's all ABC for the ADB
Three alumni all now at the Asian Development Bank give fascinating insight into the social purpose of the bank
A new era: Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
Justin D’Agostino, Rebecca Maslen-Stannage, Howard Spilko and Paul Schoeman recount how the combination came about
Personal perspective on responsible business
Ajneet Jassey and Jennifer Ewah are driven to ensure their organisations are operating responsibly
Off the dance floor and onto the balcony
Former partners turned career NEDs explain how stepping back can offer the clarity needed to lead forward
Lawyer to founder: Ean Brown
Ean Brown shares his story of founding a start-up, the thrill of creating something from nothing, and overcoming the challenges of starting a business
Why I came back
Ben Jolley and Andy Leadston talk about their time away from Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer and what brought them back
Firm highlights in 2025
Legal Notice
The contents of this publication are for reference purposes only and may not be current as at the date of accessing this publication. They do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Specific legal advice about your specific circumstances should always be sought separately before taking any action based on this publication.
© Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer 2026
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