What Does HFW Do?

Total employees1773
HeadquartersLondon
Founded1883

HFW (Holman Fenwick Willan LLP) is a global, sector-focused law firm with a rich history spanning over 140 years. The firm provides expert legal advice and services across key industry sectors including aerospace, commodities, construction, energy, insurance, and shipping. HFW is known for its deep industry knowledge, international reach, and commitment to resolving complex legal challenges for its clients worldwide.

Where Is HFW's Headquarters?

HQ Function

Serves as the central hub for HFW's global operations, strategy development, and administrative functions, supporting its international network of offices and coordinating legal services across various sectors.

Notable Features:

Modern office facilities within a historic area of London, designed to foster collaboration and provide a state-of-the-art environment for legal professionals and client meetings. Located near key legal, financial, and insurance institutions.

Work Culture:

HFW's London headquarters fosters a professional, dynamic, and collaborative work environment. It emphasizes deep sector expertise, client-centric service, a global mindset, and continuous learning, reflecting its international operations and commitment to excellence.

HQ Significance:

The London headquarters is significant due to its location in a major global legal and commercial center, its role in coordinating HFW's worldwide services, and its historical roots in the city where the firm was founded.

Values Reflected in HQ: The headquarters reflects HFW's commitment to excellence, global reach, client focus, integrity, and its standing as a leading firm in its specialist sectors. The environment is designed to support collaboration and innovation.

Location:

HFW supports its clients globally across its key sectors: aerospace, commodities, construction, energy and resources, insurance, and shipping. The firm's international network of over 20 offices across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific allows it to provide seamless, cross-border legal services. These services include dispute resolution (litigation and arbitration), transactional advice, regulatory guidance, and crisis management, tailored to the specific needs of clients operating in diverse jurisdictions and complex regulatory environments.

Street Address:

Friary Court, 65 Crutched Friars

City:

London

State/Province:

England

Country:

United Kingdom

Where Else Does HFW Operate Around the World?

Paris, France

Address: 4 Avenue Velasquez, 75008 Paris, France

Supports HFW's European client base, handles significant cross-border transactions and disputes, and acts as a gateway for international businesses operating in or through France.

Hong Kong SAR

Address: 31/F, Two Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong

Serves clients across the Asia-Pacific region, handling complex cross-border matters, international arbitration, and leveraging Hong Kong's strategic location and legal framework.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Address: Level 4, Gate Village Building 10, Dubai International Financial Centre, PO Box 506523, Dubai, UAE

Provides on-the-ground legal support for HFW's clients in the Middle East and North Africa, addressing region-specific legal frameworks, major projects, and business practices.

Houston, Texas, USA

Address: 700 Milam Street, Suite 3300, Houston, Texas 77002, USA

Serves HFW's clients in the Americas, particularly those involved in the energy and maritime industries, leveraging deep sector knowledge relevant to the US and international markets.

Singapore

Address: 7 Straits View, #14-01/02 Marina One East Tower, Singapore 018936

Acts as a strategic hub for clients operating in Southeast Asia and internationally, leveraging Singapore's position as a major maritime, finance, and dispute resolution center.

Buying Intent Signals for HFW

Highperformr Signals uncover buying intent and give you clear insights to target the right accounts at the right time — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams close more deals, faster.

Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
*Example signal, not calculated in real time

Who's Leading HFW? Meet the Executive Team

As of April 2025, HFW' leadership includes:

Giles Kavanagh - Global Senior Partner
Jeremy Shebson - Managing Partner
Julian Pierce - Global Head of DR (Dispute Resolution)
Alistair Feeney - Global Head of Aerospace
Paul Dean - Global Head of Sector Development
Richard Crump - Global Head of Shipping

Who's Investing in HFW?

HFW has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:

HFW is a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) and is owned by its partners. It does not have external equity investors in the same way as a publicly listed company or a venture capital-backed firm.

What Leadership Changes Has HFW Seen Recently?

Hire3
Exits0

HFW has actively strengthened its global team and leadership over the last 12 months with strategic partner hires in key sectors and regions, enhancing its capabilities in areas like shipping, energy, construction, and insurance. The firm focuses on growth and talent acquisition to support its sector-focused strategy. Significant executive exits at the global leadership level are not commonly publicized for LLPs unless involving very senior management roles.

New Appointments:

Jo Garland, Jo Garland appointed as Partner and Global Head of Shipping Projects at HFW in London.
Thomas Garde, Thomas Garde appointed as Energy Partner in HFW's Paris office.
Jo Delaney, Jo Delaney appointed as International Arbitration Partner to spearhead HFW's new Sydney office.

What Technology (Tech Stack) Is Used byHFW?

Discover the tools HFW uses. Highperformr reveals the technologies powering your target accounts — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams prioritize smarter and close faster.

HFW Email Formats and Examples

HFW utilizes a consistent and professional email format for its employees worldwide. The most common structure combines the employee's first name and last name, separated by a period, followed by the @hfw.com domain. This standardized format facilitates easy communication and recognition.

firstname.lastname@hfw.com

Format

jane.doe@hfw.com

Example

95%

Success rate

What's the Latest News About HFW?

Global Arbitration ReviewMay 29, 2024

HFW Expands in Australia with Sydney Office Launch and Key Arbitration Hire Jo Delaney

HFW announced the launch of its Sydney office, appointing experienced international arbitration partner Jo Delaney, formerly of Baker McKenzie. This strategic move significantly strengthens HFW's presence in Australia and its global arbitration practice, marking the firm's third office in the country....more

hfw.com (Official HFW News)May 21, 2024

HFW Strengthens Global Insurance Practice with New Partner Hire Andrew Williams in London

HFW has expanded its global insurance and reinsurance practice with the recruitment of partner Andrew Williams in London. Andrew, joining from Clyde & Co, brings extensive experience in complex insurance disputes, particularly in property, energy, and construction lines....more

hfw.com (Official HFW News)April 3, 2024

HFW Appoints Jo Garland as Partner and Global Head of Shipping Projects

HFW has appointed Jo Garland as a partner and its new Global Head of Shipping Projects. Based in London and joining from Stephenson Harwood, Jo will lead the firm's practice in complex shipping and offshore energy projects, including newbuildings, conversions, and financings....more

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