Herbert Smith Freehills solicitor Yun Yong has been recognised as one of the best and brightest young lawyers in Australia at the 2018 Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Awards.

The annual Awards recognise the country’s top legal talent under the age of 30 across a broad range of practice areas.

Yun was recognised as a rising star for his skills and expertise in the Banking and Finance category, as well as his broader commitment to the community through his work with Clontarf Aboriginal College and his involvement in the Sydney chapter of the Banking and Financial Services Law Association.

Based in the firm’s Sydney office, Yun advises clients on the development and financing of major energy, infrastructure and mining projects in Australia and abroad. A specialist in renewable energy, he acted on some of the largest wind and solar deals in 2017, including advising:

• the financiers of the 453MW Coopers Gap Wind Farm in Queensland – which, once complete, will be the largest wind farm in Australia; and
• the financiers of the 68MW Emerald Solar Park - the first banked transaction in Australia with a long-term 'corporate' power purchase agreement.

Herbert Smith Freehills’ Australian Regional Managing Partner, Andrew Pike congratulated Yun on his win and said it was pleasing to see a potential future leader of the firm recognised by the industry.

“I am thrilled to see Yun recognised as one of the best young talents in our industry. He is a valued adviser to many of our key clients who, like us, have come to rely on him for his judgment, commercial acumen and responsiveness.

“Yun is not only great when it comes to client service, he’s also played an active role in our Community Committee, working closely with one of our community partners to deliver support and opportunities for indigenous students. Yun is a well-rounded lawyer with great potential. I congratulate him on this win and wish him all the best in his ongoing career.”

The awards, which were held at a special ceremony in Sydney on 18 May, are not just about acknowledging the legal expertise and client focus of entrants but also how candidates contribute to their firms and balance their professional life with a broader role in pro bono and community activity.