Herbert Smith Freehills has appointed senior European Commission lawyer Eric White to join its international trade and EU law practice as a consultant.
Eric has over 35 years of experience in EU, trade and WTO law. He led the Trade and WTO Group of the Commission's Legal Service and has litigated over 25 WTO dispute settlement cases. He has also represented the European Commission in more than 100 European Court cases and participated in and advised on the negotiation of trade agreements with countries in Central and Eastern Europe (before their EU accession) as well as in relation to international organisations such as the WTO, OECD, ICAO and UN bodies.
Starting in January 2017, Eric will work closely with the Firm's global network of offices and the partner in charge of the Firm's EU and international trade law practice, Lode Van Den Hende. Eric will focus on WTO law and the EU's rules governing trade with non-EU countries, including the future relationship between the UK and the EU.
James Quinney, Global Head of the Competition, Regulation and Trade group commented:
"It is fantastic news that Eric is joining our EU and International trade practice. As our clients need to develop new strategies in a rapidly changing international environment, they will benefit from Eric's deep experience and knowledge in this specialist area. We look forward to working with him."
Lode Van Den Hende added:
"Eric's experience and knowledge is a most valuable addition to our WTO and EU expertise. It is particularly timely given the pending negotiations between UK and EU in relation to 'Brexit'. Our firm has been helping clients to understand the various changes, analyse the risks and work through potential solutions, which are essential to help companies and their leaders to prepare for a post-Brexit future."
Eric said:
"After many years in the European Commission, I look forward to a new role advising a variety of clients on EU and trade law issues and assisting them in understanding and overcoming the many challenges currently confronting them in the UK, the EU and the international trading system more widely."
About Herbert Smith Freehills' International Trade & WTO practice
We have 20 years' experience in WTO matters but also in tune with current developments, such as the Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) between the EU and Canada and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) currently being negotiated between the EU and the US, which means we are well-placed to advise clients and help them achieve their objectives. We advise across the full spectrum of WTO and trade regulation work, including acting on disputes under the WTO dispute settlement mechanism and advising on market access strategies, sanctions, export controls and trade remedy matters. Click here to learn more: https://www.herbertsmithfreehills.com/our-expertise/services/international-trade-wto
Brexit and trade
Herbert Smith Freehills, in collaboration with The Boston Consulting Group and Global Counsel, has recently published a report to help business leaders understand and prepare for a sharp shift in the UK's relationship with the EU: the possibility of so-called 'hard Brexit' after the UK's vote to leave the EU. This report considers the potential impact on trade in goods and services if the UK left the EU single market and the EU Customs Union without any new trade agreement in place. Regardless of the eventual outcome, planning for a hard Brexit scenario provides businesses with a baseline to see most clearly the potential impact of the possible changes and to make corresponding plans of action: https://www.herbertsmithfreehills.com/latest-thinking/what-would-a-hard-brexit-mean-for-international-trade
About Herbert Smith Freehills
Operating from over 26 offices across Asia Pacific, EMEA and North America, Herbert Smith Freehills is at the heart of the new global business landscape providing premium quality, full-service legal advice. We provide many of the world’s most important organisations with access to market-leading dispute resolution, projects and transactional legal advice, combined with expertise in a number of global industry sectors, including energy, natural resources, infrastructure, technology and financial services. www.herbertsmithfreehills.com
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