News
Freshfields makes market-leading hire in international trade law market with addition of Lorand Bartels as counsel
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (‘Freshfields’) announced today the appointment of Dr Lorand Bartels as counsel in the firm’s Antitrust, Competition and Trade group. Lorand will further strengthen the firm’s ability to meet increased client demand for trade law advice – with a focus on London and Brussels, as well as across the full scope of the firm’s network.
Lorand will advise clients on trade law issues under the WTO and free trade agreements, international trade disputes, and trade remedies (e.g. anti-dumping) as well as providing Brexit-related advice. He draws on deep experience as a leading academic at the University of Cambridge, where he teaches trade law, in private practice, and as an advisor to governments and other stakeholders worldwide.
Freshfields’ global head of Antitrust, Competition and Trade, Thomas Janssens, said: “Lorand brings tremendous talent, expertise and knowledge to our team and joins the firm at a time when governments and international organisations are reviewing and finessing their trade policies. Lorand has worked on some of the leading and most complex trade issues globally and will be a valuable resource to our clients and network in London, Brussels and worldwide. The most exciting opportunity is to combine his experience with our market-leading expertise in areas like arbitration, dispute resolution, subsidy control, public procurement and sanctions to meet the challenges of our clients in a joined-up way.”
Freshfields has recently been appointed to the UK Department of International Trade’s Trade Disputes Panel to advise HM Government on matters relating to international trade disputes, investment, trade remedies, implementation of trade agreements, and other trading arrangements.
Freshfields regularly advises international industrials companies on trade-related supply chain risks covering anti-dumping, subsidies, customs, and export control. Combining trade capabilities with its sector-specific excellence, Freshfields recently advised international financial services clients on their Brexit planning with complex cross-border elements of the provision of financial services.
Lorand’s appointment is particularly significant as clients work through the implications of Brexit and the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, on which Lorand is a noted expert.
Dr Lorand Bartels, counsel, added: “There has never been a greater need for international trade law expertise for companies in the UK and companies across the world dealing with the UK. Brexit is a game changer in terms of the relevance of international trade law to all these businesses. I am hugely looking forward to working with Freshfields’ trade law team, and with its expert teams in the many areas where trade law advice is more relevant than ever.”
Prior to joining Freshfields, Lorand was a senior counsel at Linklaters and a Specialist Advisor to the UK House of Commons Select Committee on International Trade. He has advised governments, international organisations and corporates within the industries, pharmaceuticals and financial services sectors on a wide range of trade related matters and issues. He is a qualified solicitor in New South Wales.
ENDS
About Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP is a global law firm with a long track record of successfully advising the world's leading national and multinational corporations and financial institutions on ground-breaking and business-critical challenges. Our team of more than 2,800 lawyers and other legal professionals delivers global results from our 28 offices worldwide. Our commitment, local and multinational expertise and business know-how means our clients can rely on us when it matters most.