Praised for its ‘great strength and experience’, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is led by the ‘excellent‘ David Gilmore, who is noted for his capabilities in international arbitration as well as commercial dispute resolution. The team is also well-versed in cartel, fraud, and corruption investigations, for which Elaine Wong is a key contact. Michael McErlaine excels in regulatory investigations and is experienced in representing clients under all of the major institutional rules, including JCAA and ICC. Of counsel Yosuke Homma departed in July 2023 for an in-house role at Mitsubishi.

With knowledge spanning the pharmaceuticals, real estate, and mobile telecoms sectors, Morrison Foerster‘s litigation department is praised for its ‘strong expertise in international disputes’. Louise Stoupe and Yuka Teraguchi co-lead the team, the former is proficient in multi-jurisdictional commercial litigation, while the latter is a key contact for tech clients in disputes involving IP and commercial issues. Max Olson is the name to note for patent litigation disputes regarding trade secrets, and Tomoki Kodama who was promoted to the partnership in January 2023, is also highlighted.

With ‘a diverse network of specialists’, Clifford Chance (Gaikokuho Kyodo Jigyo) is often engaged in international arbitration, with a particular focus on the infrastructure, energy, resources, and construction sectors. Peter Harris heads the team and is adept in matters concerning international commercial and Investor-State arbitration, while Mohsun Ali excels in Investor–state dispute settlement arbitration.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP is well-versed in international arbitration, cross-border litigation, copyright infringement, and white-collar crime. The team’s broad expertise also encompasses global compliance issues, whistleblowing cases, and cross-border cartel investigations. Since publication, former practice head Shinsuke Yakura and Masao Fujino departed in September 2024.

Ashurst’s broad practice encompasses international sanctions, sensitive internal investigations, white-collar crime matters, as well as international arbitration. Practice head Alexander Dmitrenko is well-regarded for his expertise in cyber security and is particularly active in the banking and finance, manufacturing, trade, and energy spaces.

The dispute resolution practice at Baker McKenzie (Gaikokuho Joint Enterprise) boasts a wide breadth of industry expertise, with experience advising clients operating in the pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, energy, and life sciences spaces. Toshio Ibaraki excels in compliance investigations, practice head Yoshiaki Muto handles commercial litigation, and Takeshi Yoshida is praised for his ‘prompt and quality service.’

O'Melveny’s team handles both domestic and international arbitration, mediation, criminal investigations, and copyright disputes. The practice is led by Yoji Maeda, who is skilled in labour and employment disputes, while Hiroko Nihei is noted for her experience in US litigation and antitrust investigations.

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP regularly handles intellectual property disputes, with notable experience in complex patent infringement disputes. It also assists Japanese and Asian clients with litigation and arbitration proceedings. Ryan Goldstein leads the practice, and his recent work highlights includes filing patent infringements for US-based companies.

Squire Gaikokuho Kyodo Jigyo Horitsu Jimusho‘s disputes team is led by David Yaegashi, a specialist in arbitrations arising from international business transactions, while Matthew Digby excels in import and trade disputes. Jun Mamiya caters to litigation and disputes arising out of cross-border transactions, joint ventures, and licensing deals. Yuichiro Yasutomo is also noted.

The litigation and trial department at Latham & Watkins Gaikokuho Joint Enterprise has particular strength in enforcement actions before the US Department of Justice. Practice head Kaede Toh is experienced in advising Asia-based clients on a wide array of issues including government investigations, criminal defence in white-collar crime cases, and civil litigation.