HSF Kramer adds M&A partner trio from Paul Hastings in New York

HSF Kramer has hired a three-partner M&A team from Paul Hastings in New York as the firm continues to build out its US platform following last year’s transatlantic merger.

Robert Leung, Mike Huang and Daniel Grossman have joined the firm’s corporate M&A practice, with Leung also taking on the role of head of energy, mining and infrastructure for the Americas. Jason Hill has joined alongside the trio as counsel.

The hires come less than a year after Herbert Smith Freehills’ merger with US firm Kramer Levin went live, creating a global top 20 firm with more than $2 billion in revenue.

US growth focus

The latest additions underline HSF Kramer’s focus on scaling its US capability, particularly in New York which is now a key hub for the combined firm, with just over 100 partners.

Global CEO Justin D’Agostino said the hires underscore the firm’s commitment to long-term investment and growth in the US, and will strengthen the firm’s ability to advise on “increasingly strategic and complex transactions” in the US and globally.

The firm has been actively building out its US bench since the merger. Earlier this month, it added partner David Pearl to its Washington DC antitrust practice, while last year it brought in Burr Eckstut to its New York tech transactions team from White & Case.

‍Energy and infrastructure focus

Leung’s appointment also signals a focus on energy, mining and infrastructure - important sectors for HSF Kramer that continue to drive cross-border deal activity.

Paul Schoeman, US executive partner, said the trio bring experience that is “vital for growth” in those areas.