Dispute Resolution: Domestic

Hiroyuki Tezuka has a distinguished reputation in the arbitration sphere. He offers over three decades of experience advising clients on large-scale arbitrations arising out of projects and commercial agreements.

Akihiro Hironaka's broad expertise involves representing clients in cross-border disputes, including arbitrations, in connection with joint venture, product liability, tax and antitrust matters.

"Hironaka-sensei always tries to understand the business background and requirements in depth, and returns very thoughtful, practical advice."

Lars Markert has a growing reputation in the market. He is especially noted for his expertise in handling cross-border arbitration cases relating to M&A, investment, construction contracts and product liability issues, often for EU clients.

"Lars gave me a thorough explanation and presented me with options based on his high level of experience, so I was very reassured when I consulted with him."

Chié Nakahara is a respected arbitration counsel who is in high demand by Japanese corporates and is often mandated to handle cross-border manufacturing and trade-related disputes.

"Based on her deep knowledge of international arbitration and legal expertise, Ms Nakahara provided rapid and highly accurate advice, taking into account the specific circumstances of the industry."

Yutaro Kawabata is noted for his extensive experience in arbitration, regularly representing clients from a range of sectors in disputes arising out of breaches and termination of contracts and commercial agreements, as well as uncompleted projects.

"Yutaro is a true international arbitration specialist who knows the tricks of the trade and uses them to our advantage."

Hiroshi Kimeda leads the firm's corporate crisis management department. He is well experienced in handling a variety of crisis management mandates, including bribery, fraud, insider trading and misrepresentation of financial statements cases. Clients also benefit from his previous experience as a public prosecutor.

Kaku Hirao has extensive experience advising on internal investigations and cases initiated by regulatory authorities. He has particular expertise in handling criminal proceedings, thanks to his experience as a public prosecutor at the Criminal Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Justice.

Kei Umebayashi draws on his experience working at the Special Investigative Section of the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office and is adept at handling trade secrets and intellectual property and antitrust disputes.