Herbert Smith Freehills strengthens German presence with 10 from Orrick

Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) has significantly expanded its German practice with the addition of a ten-member legal team from Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe. The team includes three prominent partners and will be integrated into HSF’s Düsseldorf office.

The incoming group is led by Oliver Duys (PICTURED center), the former German managing partner at Orrick who served in that role for over ten years from 2013 to 2024. Joining him are fellow corporate partners Wilhelm Nolting-Hauff (left) and Nikita Tkatchenko (right), along with seven additional legal professionals – including four counsel and three associates.

Each partner brings distinct expertise to HSF: Duys, who has been with Orrick since 2008, is known for his work in complex international M&A transactions, particularly in private equity. Nolting-Hauff, also an Orrick veteran since 2008, specializes in acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, and strategic partnerships. Tkatchenko, who was elevated to partner at Orrick in 2018, brings expertise in corporate transactions, antitrust law, and restructuring matters.

The German head of corporate/M&A at Herbert Smith Freehills, Sönke Becker, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, noting that the new team’s extensive experience will enhance the firm’s corporate and private equity capabilities in Germany, creating new opportunities for practice growth and development.