HSF New Office

[hp4300]

Hi I'm really struggling thinking of an answer to the question where HSF should open a new office? It already has a strong presence in the Asian market and doesn't appear to have plans to expand further in the US. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi I'm really struggling thinking of an answer to the question where HSF should open a new office? It already has a strong presence in the Asian market and doesn't appear to have plans to expand further in the US. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I would look at its specialisms, whether by practice area or sector, and consider which of those areas might be growing particularly fast in certain geographical locations. I would consider more about where long term demand could pop up, whether there is any restrictions on working there (like there is in India), and also where the firm already has some expertise - for instance it has several “groups” that cover geographical locations but not from that country.

 

[hp4300]

I would look at its specialisms, whether by practice area or sector, and consider which of those areas might be growing particularly fast in certain geographical locations. I would consider more about where long term demand could pop up, whether there is any restrictions on working there (like there is in India), and also where the firm already has some expertise - for instance it has several “groups” that cover geographical locations but not from that country.

Thanks for the help. I was thinking somewhere in Africa or Latin America but saw that they already have groups covering those regions so was not to sure if there is a justification for opening an office when the groups already appear to be working well. What are your thoughts on Asia seeing as it's already an area where HSF is strong.

 

[AvniD]

Thanks for the help. I was thinking somewhere in Africa or Latin America but saw that they already have groups covering those regions so was not to sure if there is a justification for opening an office when the groups already appear to be working well. What are your thoughts on Asia seeing as it's already an area where HSF is strong.

Could you look at individual countries instead of the continent/region? Or cities in those countries? Try to do some research on the busiest practice areas/deal types for HSF and also the industry and see if there are certain regions that are coming up continually. Worth researching where HSF's competitors have offices but HSF doesn't as well!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Thanks for the help. I was thinking somewhere in Africa or Latin America but saw that they already have groups covering those regions so was not to sure if there is a justification for opening an office when the groups already appear to be working well. What are your thoughts on Asia seeing as it's already an area where HSF is strong.

Just because they have groups, doesn't mean there isn't logic to open an office if it is a market that could see growth, developments or regulation that meant they needed lawyers on the ground.

There will be various locations in Asia that could also be argued for too though.

There isn't really a right or wrong answer here - it is much more about how you justify your recommendation.

 

[Dhaval Sheth]

Have you thought about Chile (current gov'ts policy around RE & abundance of resources critical to energy transition (lithium, copper etc)

HSF expertise in renewable energy, PF and mining could be utilised well in the country, tying into their Latin America practice group. I only say this as I recently interviewed at a firm (with similar strengths to HSF), got asked this question on where an office should be opened and I answered with this and it went down well, I was also able to talk about potential risks (see below). PM me if you're interested, as I have a word document on Chile (lol), whilst it doesn't apply directly to HSF, a lot of the info could be useful.

How Chile is becoming a leader in renewable energy | World Economic Forum

This chart shows more than 25 years of lithium production by country | World Economic Forum

If you were to mention Chile though, you may want to point towards macro pressures in the economy and gov't policy: https://en.mercopress.com/2023/01/0...ices-slide-and-political-stability-is-fragile

Chile’s Copper Royalty Reform

By Jay Leary The Chilean government have announced the introduction of a tax reform bill that will introduce a new royalty system payable by copper miners. This bill contains a variable royalty rat…

hsfnotes.com

Could you please share the word document ( whenever possible for you)/ I have my AC with HSF in 2 days and I am proposing this in front of them as an innovative solution. Thanks!