Georgia Dawson took up the role of Senior Partner at Freshfields in January 2021, becoming the first woman in the firm’s nearly 300-year history to do so. She drives the firm’s global strategy with an ambitious vision for the firm’s future. Before this appointment, she served as Asia managing partner and Asia practice group leader for dispute resolution.
As a litigator and investigations specialist, Georgia advises on complex multi-jurisdictional matters, including those involving alleged money laundering, bribery, and human rights breaches. She has led significant cross-border mandates across Europe, APAC, Africa, and Central Asia.
Under her leadership, Freshfields has navigated a period of rapid global disruption and evolving client demands – expanding in strategic markets while prioritizing the well-being and development of its people. Georgia is determined to ensure the firm retains its core strengths and collaborative culture that have always distinguished it.
A steadfast champion for diversity and inclusion, she fosters a progressive workplace and works on pro bono efforts that tackle structural inequality. Her influence is reflected in seven consecutive appearances on INvolve’s OUTstanding Top 50 LGBT+ Ally Advocates lists (2018–2024) and her appointment as Stonewall’s Global Senior Champion in 2019.
Georgia’s leadership has garnered multiple accolades, including Financial News’ Most Influential Women in Finance (2021–2024) and the publication’s inaugural Most Influential in European Finance list (2024). She was also honored as ALB Southeast Asia Law Awards Woman Lawyer of the Year in 2021, recognized as an Innovative Leader at the Financial Times Asia-Pacific Innovative Lawyers Awards in 2020 and received the University of Sydney’s 2023 Alumni Award for International Achievement.
- Acting as global co-ordinating counsel for various financial institutions responding to inquiries and investigations by regulatory authorities worldwide arising out of allegations of misconduct in the setting of benchmarks or trading in interbank interest rates, foreign exchange rates and precious metals. The representations involved regulatory investigations in several jurisdictions in Asia.
- Advising various investment banks and listed companies on investigations and inquiries from various regulators, including the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
- Representing a financial institution defending a multi-billion-dollar claim in the Thai courts and a telecommunications company in various appeals before the Indonesian courts.
- Advising various companies on anti-bribery and corruption policies and scenarios, and conducting investigations into allegations of corrupt activities.
- Advising various companies on crisis management arising from different situations such as employee incidents or data loss, as well as advising on internal or regulatory investigations into alleged misconduct ranging from fraud through to human rights abuses.
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