Contact us
Please contact us by email for any urgent enquiries
Email our crisis team
With you at every stage
Ready
The most effective crisis response starts well before an issue arises. While some risks are unavoidable, many can be anticipated and mitigated through strong governance, robust controls and thorough preparation. We work with you to identify vulnerabilities, strengthen your risk framework and enhance systems, policies and controls. Through tailored training, simulations and scenario planning, we equip your teams to respond with confidence under pressure.
Respond
When a crisis hits, swift, clear and decisive action is critical. We mobilise immediately, integrating with your team to provide pragmatic advice at every stage. Our cross-disciplinary teams manage legal, regulatory and reputational risks in a coordinated way, from the initial response through to stabilisation. We help you maintain control of the facts, support decision-making and ensure consistent stakeholder communication. With full-service capability and 24/7 global support, we are ready to respond wherever and whenever needed.
Resilience
The end of a crisis marks the start of recovery and improvement. We help stabilise the situation, address ongoing risks and turn experience into action. By analysing root causes and embedding practical improvement – whether in governance, controls or response frameworks – we strengthen your organisation for the future. The result is not just resolution, but a more resilient, better-prepared business.
Experience
Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan and Société Générale
In three separate, high-profile claims in excess of US$1 billion brought by the Libyan Investment Authority, all of which concluded on successful terms for our clients
The Government of Sierra Leone
Advising on its overall legal response to the Ebola virus outbreak, and more specifically on international and contractual issues arising out of the situation, notably with regard to force majeure
Barbican
Advising on its compliance and dawn raid programmes
Accolades
Band 1, Crisis & Risk Management, UK-wide
Chambers 2022 - 2026
Band 1, Crisis & Risk Management, Global-wide
Chambers 2022 - 2026
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer are the first firm to be ranked Band 1 by Chambers for Crisis & Risk Management in both Global and UK practice guides.
"Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has the advantage of their reputation, which is thoroughly deserved. Having HSFK representing you is, in itself, a massive advantage. It has huge experience and an ability to work very well between partners in the firm and to blend the skills and experience they have. They have a breadth of ability that they can blend together for your case."
(Chambers Global 2026)
"The firm is very good for crisis management. They look at our matters in a multi-faceted manner, have a great depth in expertise and are super accessible and responsive."
(Chambers Global 2025)
"The team seamlessly integrates into the crisis response and delivers advice with care."
(Chambers Global 2025)
Key contacts
James Baily
Partner, London
Ajay Malhotra
Partner, London
Paulino Fajardo
Partner, Head of Disputes, EMEA, Madrid
Jilan J. Kamal
Partner, New York
Paul H. Schoeman
Executive Partner, US and Managing Partner, Disputes, US, New York
Kyle Wombolt
Partner, Head of White Collar Crime and Government Investigations, Hong Kong
Kate S Cahill
Partner, Sydney
Eunice Park
Partner, Sydney