Projects & Energy: International
Global Guide 2024 : Japan
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+81 3 6438 5200Chambers Review
A&O Shearman has a highly respected team of lawyers in Tokyo, frequently instructed by major Japanese lenders and sponsors, as well as prominent borrowers, on the financing of power, mining and LNG projects across Asia and Australia. The team also has deep ties to the biggest ECAs in Japan and South Korea and is adept at handling international solar and offshore wind projects. The law firm leverages its strong Singapore office to provide support for major infrastructure projects throughout the region and also leverages its strong global presence to represent East Asian lenders and sponsors on projects as far afield as the Middle East and Africa. Recent clients include JBIC, JERA and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation. On 1st May 2024, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merged to form A&O Shearman.
Work Highlights
- The firm advised Ichthys on the major refinancing of credit facilities in connection with the project financing of the integrated Ichthys LNG Project in Australia.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The firm offers good teamwork; each lawyer possesses a high level of expertise, quick responses and a high degree of business understanding."
"Thanks to their wide range of knowledge and their extensive global network, I am fully satisfied with their performance on all deals."
"The firm has a thorough and professional due diligence practice."
"The firm offers good teamwork; each lawyer possesses a high level of expertise, quick responses and a high degree of business understanding."
"Thanks to their wide range of knowledge and their extensive global network, I am fully satisfied with their performance on all deals."
"The firm has a thorough and professional due diligence practice."
Notable Practitioners
Matthias Voss comes highly recommended for his expertise in project finance matters, offering particular knowledge on LNG projects. He has experience of acting on projects across the region.
"Matthias Voss exhibits excellent attention to detail. He has so much experience in the area in which we instruct him, and can identify and anticipate relevant issues."
Scott Neilson is a seasoned lawyer in Japan who has a stellar reputation for his work on both domestic and international project development and financing mandates. He also offers significant experience on energy sector investments, advising on both inbound and outbound transactions.
"Scott Neilson possesses amazing knowledge and expertise, and is very accessible wherever he is in the world. He is the go-to man in this area."
Etienne Gelencsér is a partner in Tokyo who is highly active in the energy sector and offers impressive experience on investments and M&A transactions, as well as financing mandates.
"I was very impressed with how he approached clients and lender's counsel unlike a typical lawyer. He was not too rigid, and tried to find solutions from a commercial as well as legal point of view."
"Thanks to his extensive legal knowledge, Etienne Gelencsér proposed numerous solutions which were highly helpful in solving deadlocks in tough negotiations."
Akira Takahashi is a counsel at A&O Shearman who assists clients on matters involving the financing of projects, including renewables and LNG.
"Akira Takahashi displays a high level of capability."
Xue Wang advises a range of international clients on the financing of energy and infrastructure projects, and exhibits experience in the LNG and power sectors.
"Xue Wang is very responsive."
"Xue Wang was just really fantastic."
Ranked Lawyers at
A&O Shearman
Japan