Herbert Smith Freehills has named commercial litigation partner Jojo Fan as the new China managing partner, succeeding Matthew Emsley who has held the role for four years.
Fan was promoted as a partner at Herbert Smith Freehills in 2020 and she practised at Baker McKenzie before joining the current firm.
The Hong Kong-based managing partner specialises in handling China and cross-border commercial disputes, as well as representing clients in court proceedings involving interim injunctive measures and arbitration-related matters. Banks, financial institutions, and corporates have sought her advice on litigation.
She had defended BYD in lawsuits filed by Foxconn – in Hong Kong, mainland China, Taiwan and the United States – as the former was accused of breach of confidence, inducement, procurement contract violations and more. She also advised BYD in counterclaiming Foxconn for wrongful and unlawful interference with business and economic interests.
In her three-year term as managing partner, Fan will work closely with Nanda Lau, Herbert Smith Freehills’ head of Beijing and Shanghai. Fan’s predecessor, Emsley, will remain at the firm as a capital markets partner.
“Under Jojo’s leadership, the team will continue to support our domestic and international clients’ ambitions in China, particularly through outbound investment to Southeast Asia and the Middle East, and in energy transition, private capital and tech,” said Graeme Preston, Asia managing partner at Herbert Smith Freehills.
