Herbert Smith has recently launched a private-client practice in Hong Kong to advise on complex tax, trust, charities and succession-planning issues. The law firm's London partner Rupert Ticehurst heads the team, according to FinanceAsia.

The team, which includes London litigation partner Robert Hunter and Hong Kong litigation partner Mark Johnson, also advises on all aspects of dispute resolution involving individuals, trusts and estates. In London, the private-client practice attracts ultra high net worth private clients and families, trust companies, private banks and charities. 

Mr Ticehurst joined Herbert Smith as a partner in 2005 and became head of the private wealth and charities practice in 2007. His practice includes tax, trusts and succession planning, litigation and charities, the report said.

Mr Hunter is a disputes partner and co-head of Herbert Smith's civil fraud and asset tracing, corporate crime and investigations practice. He has conducted large fraud cases and his experience ranges from claims involving bribery and secret commissions to commodities fraud and advance fee frauds, and he has acted in proceedings in all major offshore centres.

Mr Hunter is also a founding member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists and has served as secretary since its formation.