Leadership change at HSF as firm approaches merger. Walden to oversee UK and EMEA

Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) has selected Jeremy Walden (PICTURED) as new executive partner to oversee its UK and EMEA operations as the firm prepares for its upcoming merger with US-based Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel.

Taking office on June 1, 2025 – the same day the merger becomes official – Walden will succeed Alison Brown in overseeing the firm’s network across 12 regional offices.

Brown isn’t departing the firm but rather shifting to a newly created role focused on American expansion and integration efforts following the combination.

The merger represents a milestone for HSF, propelling the combined entity into the global legal elite with projected revenues surpassing $2 billion. This strategic move finally gives HSF the substantial American footprint that has become increasingly essential for international legal powerhouses.

Walden brings valuable institutional knowledge to his new position, having spent his entire 30+ year career with the firm. His background includes six years managing HSF’s real estate practice in the UK and EMEA regions between 2018 and 2024. His legal expertise centers on complex property investment structures, particularly those involving private equity and sovereign wealth funds, with a client portfolio featuring financial giants like Goldman Sachs and Macquarie Capital.