Herbert Smith Freehills appoints Simon Chapman KC and Ante Golem to disputes leadership roles

Hong Kong-based Simon Chapman KC is appointed Joint Managing Partner, while Perth partner Ante Golem will assume the role of Head of Disputes Australia. Both appointments are effective 1 October 2024.

In their new roles, Simon and Ante will work with Joint Managing Partner Paul Lewis in London and Head of Disputes EMEA Paulino Fajardo in Madrid to develop the practice.

"Our clients face complex economic, digital and geopolitical challenges, and expect our practice to understand their business as well as providing outstanding legal expertise," said Simon. 

"To meet their needs, we as leaders must develop and attract the very best practitioners across borders and industries and continue our innovation in legal and digital operations." Simon succeeds Sydney partner Anna Sutherland.

“I inherit an incredibly successful practice, thanks to Anna's stewardship, and am honoured to be given the opportunity to support the team to build on that success as we continue to adapt to our clients’ evolving needs," said Ante. "Our disputes landscape is shaped by local, regional and global developments, such as the growth in class actions, increased regulator activity across sectors, and international arbitration. 

"This makes my dual appointment alongside Simon beneficial, as demand grows for firms with a multijurisdictional platform from companies operating in multiple regions."  

"Anna has made an immense contribution to the Disputes practice over the past four years as Joint Managing Partner," said Simon. "She excels as a leader, innovator and practitioner, and deserves our thanks for her contribution to the practice."