Herbert Smith Freehills Bolsters Tokyo Team With Ben Jolley As Head Of Construction Disputes

Herbert Smith Freehills Bolsters Tokyo Team With Ben Jolley As Head Of Construction Disputes

Herbert Smith Freehills has significantly strengthened its Tokyo office with the appointment of Ben Jolley as Head of Construction Disputes, Japan, marking a substantial enhancement to their international arbitration and construction disputes capabilities.

Ben, a seasoned practitioner in international arbitration specializing in construction, infrastructure, and energy disputes, returns to Herbert Smith Freehills where he began his career. With over 12 years of experience in the Japanese legal landscape, he has cultivated deep relationships with Japanese clients.

Ben Jolley brings extensive experience in handling disputes across Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America, conducting arbitrations under various institutional rules including ICC, LCIA, SIAC, JCAA, and ICSID, as well as before ad-hoc tribunals under UNCITRAL Rules, with seats in Asia, Europe, and North America.

His practice focuses on advising on complex and high-value matters, including cross-border commercial contract disputes, investment treaty claims, and sanctions. Ben has particular expertise in sectors such as construction, infrastructure, energy, technology, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing.

Ben graduated from the University of Warwick with a bachelor's degree in law and qualified into the Global Arbitration team at Herbert Smith's London office in 2010. He relocated to Herbert Smith Freehills' Tokyo office in May 2012 and subsequently served as director of MHI's international counsel team at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) in Tokyo from January 2021.

Ben's appointment as a partner underscores Herbert Smith Freehills' commitment to expanding its Asia Disputes team in 2024, joining recent additions including Pariyapol Kamolsilp in Bangkok and promoted partners Chris Clay in Tokyo and Murphy Mok in Hong Kong.

"I'm delighted to welcome Ben back to Herbert Smith Freehills," said Tokyo head of disputes David Gilmore. "His legal skills and deep understanding of our Japanese clients make him a valuable addition at a time of rising client demand."

Ben rejoins the firm after three years at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) in Tokyo, most recently as director of MHI's international counsel team.

"Adding Pariyapol, Murphy and now Ben strengthens our market-leading construction, infrastructure and energy disputes practice across Asia," said Simon Chapman KC, global co-head of international arbitration.

"Japan is an important market for our firm, and we will continue to invest across our Tokyo practices to provide exceptional head-office support for our Japanese clients' global ambitions."

While Ben will join Herbert Smith Freehills as a partner, his title will be Head of Construction Disputes, Japan, while his application for licensure as a Gaikokuho Jimu Bengoshi to advise in Japan is under consideration by Japanese legal authorities.