Ellen Mao hired as a partner by Herbert Smith Freehills to expand its China finance practice

Ellen Mao hired as a partner by Herbert Smith Freehills to expand its China finance practice

Based in Hong Kong, she will work with the firm's corporate, infrastructure, energy, and finance practices

Leading international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills has hired banking partner Ellen Mao as part of its continued expansion in Asia.

An alumna of Herbert Smith Freehills and fluent in Mandarin, Mao advises international, Asian, and particularly China clients on syndicated lending, cross-border financing, insolvency work and complex project financing.

Adrian Cheng, the Asia head of finance at Herbert Smith Freehills, remarked, "Mao has a strong record of advising both international and Chinese banks and financial institutions. Her technical expertise, combined with her blend of international and China experience, make her an excellent addition to our team."

May Tai, the Asia managing partner at Herbert Smith Freehills, added, "Mao's outstanding combination of international and Chinese finance experience will help us to meet growing client demand, especially from the host of significant financial institutions based in Greater China. She also adds vital restructuring expertise to our Asia practice, complementing our established lending offering to clients."

While based in Hong Kong, Mao will work with the firm's corporate, infrastructure, energy and finance practices across Asia and beyond, working locally alongside established Hong Kong partner Alexander Aitken.