Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer further strengthens its Italian practice: Sara Balice promoted to IP Partner

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer announces the appointment of Sara Balice as Partner of the Firm, effective 1 May 2026. The announcement is part of the Firm's partner promotion round, in which 25 new partners have been appointed this year. This marks the first global promotions round following the June 2025 integration that resulted in Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, and represents a significant milestone in the firm’s growth and consolidation.

Sara Balice has over twenty years of experience in Intellectual Property, during which she has advised Italian and international companies on the protection and commercialisation of all intangible assets, covering patents, trademarks, designs, copyright, trade secrets and unfair competition.

She is recognised for her expertise in patent litigation in Italy and in pan‑European coordination, including proceedings before the Unified Patent Court, with a distinctive focus on the life sciences sector, where she regularly advises pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies on complex multi‑jurisdictional disputes. She has also supported clients across a wide range of other industries, including chemicals, mechanical engineering, electronics, food & beverage and consumer goods.

Her experience further extends to advisory and non-contentious matters, in particular in the negotiation of licensing and technology transfer agreements.

Sara joined the firm in 2018, when the Italian office was established.

Laura Orlando, Italy Managing Partner of Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, commented: " We are very proud of Sara’s promotion. Her professional journey has been one of exceptional quality, built over time through expertise, dedication and a strong team spirit. Sara has been with the firm since the opening of its Italian office in 2018 and has played a key role in its growth, as well as in the development of the intellectual property practice, which is recognised as one of Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer’s areas of excellence in Italy. With this promotion, the firm continues its commitment to internal growth and to the professional development of its people."

Sara Balice commented: "Being promoted to partner represents a highly significant professional milestone for me. Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is a firm that recognises the value of specialisation and invests meaningfully in the growth of its people. I am delighted to continue contributing to the development of the IP practice in Italy, supporting clients on complex and strategically important matters.”

With Sara joining the partnership, the number of partners in the Firm's Italian office rises to ten, with a 50% female representation.