Asia-based intellectual property lawyer, previously working as a co-head at HSF Kramer, has been recruited as a partner at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer.
In a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the tech and life sciences sectors, global law firm Freshfields has recruited IP and technology expert, Harry Evans, as a partner in its Singapore office.
Evans brings over 15 years of experience advising clients on business-critical technology, intellectual property, and commercial matters. His deep expertise and proven leadership in life sciences are considered invaluable for Freshfields' strategic investment into Southeast Asia and other high-growth industries.
Prior to joining Freshfields, Evans served as co-head of the Asia IP/Commercial team at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer. He now joins the firm with a rich background in advising on IP and technology aspects of corporate transactions and commercial and patent disputes in the life sciences sector.
Evans' arrival at Freshfields is noteworthy as he is one of the first Asia partners to exit following the merger between HSF and Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel. His strategic recruitment reinforces Freshfields’ leadership in intellectual property (IP) and technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) in Asia, underpinning the firm’s focus on servicing the expanding tech and life sciences sectors.
The tech and life sciences sectors in Asia are attracting significant investment and represent a key area of growth for Freshfields' clients. Evans' expertise in complex commercial arrangements, particularly in the life sciences and tech sectors, will help Freshfields deliver more effective solutions for its clients.
In practical terms, Evans' role will help Freshfields capitalize on the growing dispersion of tech and life sciences opportunities throughout Southeast Asia and Japan, complementing existing teams led by IP/data head Richard Bird. This makes Freshfields more competitive in attracting and advising high-growth companies and investors in the region’s technology and life sciences ecosystems.
Matthew O'Callaghan, Freshfields' Asia regional managing partner, expressed excitement about Evans joining the firm. Nicholas Lingard, Singapore managing partner, stated that Evans' extensive experience in IP and TMT will be a huge asset to Freshfields' clients in Singapore and beyond.
With Evans' arrival, Freshfields now has nine partners in Singapore, reinforcing its local market presence and capacity. Evans will collaborate closely with the firm’s M&A, antitrust, and disputes teams globally, integrating skills across practice groups to handle complex commercial and intellectual capital matters. His leadership and sector knowledge will enhance Freshfields’ offering in these dynamic sectors, providing clients with comprehensive legal support tailored to the evolving market.
In summary, Evans’ recruitment strategically reinforces Freshfields’ leadership in IP and TMT in Asia, positioning it for long-term growth in innovation-driven markets across the region.
- In his new role as a partner at Freshfields, Harry Evans will leverage his extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions (M&As) to advise clients on complex commercial arrangements, particularly in the tech and life sciences sectors.
- Freshfields' strategic investment into Southeast Asia and other high-growth industries is further bolstered by Evans' deep expertise in intellectual property (IP) law, technology, and finance, particularly within the life sciences sector.
- With Harry Evans' recruitment, Freshfields aims to capitalize on the growing opportunities in technology and life sciences, integrating skills across practice groups to handle complex IP, antitrust, and disputes, thereby providing clients with comprehensive legal support tailored to the evolving market.
