6 April 2005 – LAWFUEL – The Law News Network – With changes in legislation effective today, Linklaters has formed Japan’s first fully-merged law firm, providing clients with international and domestic legal advice from a single source. Linklaters now has more than 60 lawyers in Tokyo, advising on Japanese, US and English law.
The firm’s joint managing partners Akihiro Wani and Tony Grundy host a function this evening to mark the occasion with several hundred clients, the British Ambassador HE Graham Fry, and the heads of other leading Japanese and international law firms.
Anthony Cann, the firm’s global senior partner, visiting Tokyo for the launch, said the formation of the combined firm derives from Linklaters’ global strategy to provide international and domestic advice in major financial centres wherever the law allows.
“Most of our clients are working across borders,” he said. “Briefing one firm rather than separate domestic and international firms saves them time and resources, and also ensures clients receive advice that is co-ordinated and consistent.”
Tony Grundy, joint managing partner of Linklaters Tokyo believes the legislation will start a trend of combined firms in Japan.
“Clients ask us for this service all over the world,” he said. “We think both Japanese and international firms will seek to provide domestic and international advice given the increasing cross-border activity of businesses operating in Japan.”
Akihiro Wani, co-head of the office, believes many bengoshi will be attracted to the new firm.
“The bengoshi who have joined Linklaters are Japanese lawyers committed to playing an active role in the international community. We believe this development will benefit both the legal profession in Japan and the wider business community.”
Linklaters in Tokyo offers clients expertise in capital markets, structured finance and derivatives, corporate / M&A, asset finance, banking and regulatory advice, investment funds, real estate and dispute resolution.
