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Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance

Japan

Clifford Chance has worked for more than 40 years on Japan related matters. We understand Japanese business and have a strong track record of high-profile work for international clients investing in Japan, and for Japanese companies building their overseas business.

A well-established team

The firm has advised Japanese clients since 1974 and opened the Tokyo office in 1987. Our lawyers know the culture and practicalities of Japanese business and advise clients on both international and Japanese law. Our fully-integrated practice of Japanese and foreign lawyers working side-by-side ensures that we are familiar with both local and international legal and business practices, enabling us to provide relevant and culturally-attuned advice. We have top-ranked teams across practices: Capital Markets, Corporate, Finance and Litigation and Dispute Resolution.

A proven track record on inbound and outbound transactions

We have longstanding relationships with Japanese companies, banks, and institutions. When we work with these clients on cross-border matters their team often includes domestic lawyers and specialist lawyers from our 23-country network. We're used to working in these extended teams to cover every aspect of a deal – from fund- raising and regulatory filings to documenting international-law issues in Japanese.

A proactive approach to client relationships

Our lawyers work hard to keep clients briefed on new developments. These range from technical updates on regulatory changes and new forms of finance, to sharing our partners' deep sector-knowledge of market trends and opportunities. We are also always searching for innovative ways to deliver the best service to our clients.

Recent highlights

Directory and client comments

Directory Listings

Chambers & Partners, Asia Pacific 2024, Japan

  • Band 1 in Banking & Finance (Domestic Firms)
  • Band 1 in Capital Markets: International: Asia and Euro Markets
  • Band 1 in Capital Markets: Securitisation & Structured Finance

Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2024, Japan

  • Tier 1 in Banking & Finance: International firms and joint ventures
  • Tier 1 in Capital Markets: International firms and joint ventures
  • Tier 1 in FinTech: International firms and joint ventures
  • Tier 1 in Real Estate and Construction: International firms and joint ventures

IFLR 1000 Asia Pacific, 33rd edition (2022/2023), Japan

  • Tier 1 in Banking - Foreign
  • Tier 1 in Capital Markets: Debt – Foreign
  • Tier 1 in Capital Markets: Structured finance and securitisation – Foreign

Client comments

  • "They delve into the contents of matters and understand and memorise them, which leads to logical and quick responses."
  • "Clifford Chance provided precise and sophisticated advice to us in a timely manner, which helped to meet our client's expectation."

Chambers Asia Pacific, Japan, Banking and Finance: International, 2024

  • "They understand our business and markets very well, and as such they are able to provide us with practical solutions when we encounter a difficult situation."
  • "Clifford Chance showcased excellent depth and breadth in various cross-border transactions. The team has accumulated extensive know-how on the full spectrum of capital markets offerings."

Chambers Asia Pacific, Japan, Capital Markets: International: Asia and Euro Markets, 2024

  • "It's better to use them and get things done quickly, rather than spending more time and money on a less high-quality firm."

Chambers Asia Pacific, Japan, Corporate M&A: International, 2024

  • "The team is exceptional. Their level of service is the best I have seen and their responsiveness is always timely."
  • "The team was very knowledgeable about key issues and was able to advise lenders based on a strong breadth of knowledge."

Chambers Asia Pacific, Japan, Projects & Energy: International, 2024

  • "Clifford Chance maintained excellent performance in a timely manner, even during the busiest period when we were working on two transactions in parallel. They showed great results in a limited time frame."
  • "They found complex cross-border issues and solved them in a sophisticated manner. They have ample resources from senior to junior levels."

Chambers Asia Pacific, Japan, Real Estate, 2024

Awards

  • Asia-Pacific Law Firm of the Year
    Chambers Asia Pacific and Greater China Region Awards 2023
  • Innovative Law Firm (headquartered outside of Asia Pacific)
    FT Innovative Lawyers Awards Asia 2023
  • Innovative Lawyers in Transforming Industries
    FT Innovative Lawyers Awards Asia 2023
  • Internationl Firm of the Year
  • IFLR Asia Pacific Awards 2022
  • Real Estate Law Firm of the Year
    Asian Legal Business Japan Law Awards 2022
  • Energy and Resources Law Firm of the Year
    Asian Legal Business Japan Law Awards 2021

 

Resources

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News

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Briefings

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