Experience
Justin is the firm's CEO, overseeing its client, people, practices and growth strategies.
He works closely with the firm's largest clients, both in his personal practice role and as a regional and global business leader, and leads the firm's 5,000-plus team of talented people.
During his 23-year career with Herbert Smith Freehills, Justin has overseen the growth of many successful businesses, including the firm's market-leading Disputes practice and rapid expansion in Asia.
A thought leader and skilled practitioner in arbitration and dispute resolution, Justin has appeared before tribunals around the world and regularly sits as arbitrator.
The founder of the firm's first LGBT+ network in 2007, Justin is a strong advocate and active supporter of diversity and inclusion in the firm and the wider community.
He currently chairs the firm's Global Executive.
Justin's legal experience includes:
- representing the Government of Korea on the first investment treaty arbitration under the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (Jin Hae Seo v. Republic of Korea)
- advising the Government of Malaysia on a US$1.2 billion arbitration against the Republic of Singapore concerning the interpretation of a bilateral treaty
- advising Grand Pacific Holdings Limited on its high-profile and successful appeal against a decision by the Hong Kong Court of First Instance to set aside an ICC arbitral award in its favour
His professional, business and community credentials include:
- Member of the Executive Board of the International Chamber of Commerce
- Co-chair of the Host Committee of ICCA 2024 in Hong Kong
- Co-chair, Global Steering Committee of the Arbitration Pledge, which seeks to increase, on an equal opportunity basis, the number of women appointed as arbitrators to achieve fairer representation
- Oversaw the firm's Asia region achieve its 30% target for women partners, and sponsored the launch of its Asia Multicultural Network
Background
Justin joined Herbert Smith Freehills in 1998 and became a partner in 2007.
He led the firm's Global Disputes practice and its Asia region from 2014 to 2020.
A native of Edinburgh, Scotland, Justin graduated with a bachelor's degree in law from the University of Aberdeen in 1996.
He is admitted as a solicitor in Hong Kong and as a solicitor advocate in England.
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