Freshfields recruits HSF Kramer Asia IP co-head as new partner
Freshfields Bolsters IP and Tech Practice with Harry Evans' Arrival
Global law firm Freshfields has made a strategic investment in its IP and technology practice in Asia with the hire of Harry Evans as a partner in its Singapore office.
Evans, an experienced IP and TM expert, joined Freshfields from Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (HSF Kramer) in July 2025. His arrival significantly strengthens Freshfields' IP and technology practice group in Asia, increasing the Singapore partner count to nine.
With over 15 years of experience advising on complex technology, intellectual property, and commercial matters, Evans brings a strong track record in contentious patent work and corporate transactions, especially in the life sciences sector.
At Freshfields, Evans will collaborate across practice groups such as M&A, antitrust, and disputes, working closely with Richard Bird, head of the firm’s IP/data group in Asia. This cross-disciplinary cooperation enhances Freshfields’ capability to handle sophisticated mandates involving technology and intellectual property.
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. Lingard highlighted the value of Evans' experience in complex commercial arrangements, particularly in the life sciences and tech sectors, in delivering more effective solutions for the firm's clients.
Matthew O'Callaghan, Freshfields' Asia regional managing partner, expressed his excitement about Evans joining the firm, emphasizing the importance of his expertise in the strategic investment of Freshfields into Southeast Asia and other high-growth industries.
Prior to joining Freshfields, Evans worked at Linklaters in London and Allens in Australia before joining HSF Kramer as a senior associate in 2018. He is one of the first Asia partners to exit following the merger between HSF and Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel.
The tech and life sciences sectors in Asia are attracting significant investment and represent a key area of growth for Freshfields' clients. Evans' deep expertise and proven leadership in life sciences are considered invaluable by Freshfields as part of their strategic investment into Southeast Asia and other high-growth industries.
Evans will collaborate with the firm’s mergers and acquisitions, antitrust, and disputes teams globally, further enhancing Freshfields’ ability to service high-growth technology and life sciences clients across the region.
[1] Source: Freshfields press release, July 2025.
- Harry Evans' deep expertise in intellectual property and technology, particularly in the life sciences sector, aligns well with Freshfields' strategic investments in high-growth industries, such as mergers and acquisitions.
- In his new role at Freshfields, Evans will work closely with various practice groups, including finance, antitrust, and disputes, to handle complex technology and intellectual property matters for the firm's clients.
- As Freshfields augments its presence in the Asian market, the finance department and business leaders recognize the value of Evans' experience in intellectual property law and technology, which will play a significant role in advising clients in the increasingly competitive tech and life sciences sectors.
