Freshfields announces 20 new Counsel promotions

Global law firm Freshfields has announced the promotion of 20 new Counsel, effective 1 May 2026. 

The newly promoted Counsel are drawn from across the firm’s global network and reflect the depth of talent across a range of practice areas and markets. They bring expertise and a shared commitment to delivering excellence for clients, navigating a business landscape that is increasingly complex and supporting Freshfields as it continues to strengthen its global platform and expand its capabilities worldwide.

Freshfields Senior Partner Georgia Dawson commented: “Our newly promoted Counsel represent the talent and ambition that will help shape where we’re going as a firm. In a transformative and competitive environment, their expertise, collaborative approach and dedication to our clients underscores the standards we set for ourselves and the values and approach that will define our firm’s future. I’m confident they will continue to make significant contributions in the years to come.”

The list of promotions is set out below:

Antitrust, Competition and Trade

Aytaç Çelebi, Brussels

Elizabeth Giordano, Washington DC

 

Dispute Resolution

Dr. Thomas Ackermann, Düsseldorf

Rebecca Fenning, London

Matthias Hofer, Vienna

David M. Howard, New York

Dr. Annika Kreis , Düsseldorf

Fi McHugh, London

Ingrid Rois, London

Holly Williams, London

 

Global Transactions

Ani Avagyan, Silicon Valley

Dr. Jan Biermann, Frankfurt

Kathleen Chua, Singapore

Philippe Huntziger, Paris

Daniel Law, New York

Daniel Spencer, New York

Tianzi Ye, Paris

Noël Zamani, Vienna

 

People & Reward

Matteo Tola, Milan

Brunhilde Van den Haute, Brussels