The move bolsters the firm’s existing experience in the US to include both New York and English qualified lawyers, fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, with specialist international arbitration experience. The practice now boasts a strong Asian client base, which is one of the most active currently investing in Latin America.

‘Natural pull’

Mr Leathley will be working closely with international arbitration partner Laurence Shore as well as Scott Balber and John O'Donnell, who are both partners in the firm's Corporate Crime and Investigations Group. He commented: ‘There is a natural pull from Latin America towards New York as the vast majority of cross-border transactions in Latin America are governed by New York law. Many international arbitrations also select New York as their preferred seat.’ Source: Herbert Smith Freehills