International Disputes Lateral Partner – Tokyo

We are running a confidential partner search. The mandate is reviewed on a rolling basis with the client, and the detail below reflects the current brief.

Firm overview. An elite international law firm with a leading US litigation platform and a growing disputes presence across Asia, including a Singapore team, is seeking an experienced lateral partner to lead the build-out of its Tokyo-based international disputes practice.

The opportunity. This is a rare platform-building role. The Tokyo office has successfully established the region's leading real-estate practice among international firms, and the second strategic priority is to create a market-leading disputes capability with genuine local execution. The successful candidate will act as a bridge between the Tokyo market and the firm's cross-border litigation and arbitration teams.

• Focus exclusively on international litigation and international arbitration (US or Singapore seat). Domestic Japanese litigation is out of scope.
• High collaboration with the US litigation team and Singapore disputes team.
• Office space has recently been expanded to accommodate a team; interest in and capacity for a group move (partners plus associates).
• Next-step approval rests with the firm's management, which is selective; Tokyo office support is necessary but not sufficient.

Candidate profile.

• Qualified as a Japanese bengoshi or in a US jurisdiction; experience and connectivity in the Tokyo market matter more than specific qualification.
• Substantial experience in international litigation or international arbitration (US or Singapore), preferably with a portable book of business.
• Entrepreneurial and flexible, able to build a practice in a collaborative platform environment.
• Willing to work closely with and learn from the firm's US disputes lawyers where appropriate.
• Relocation from the US, Singapore, or other jurisdictions is welcome if relevant experience is strong.

• Portable book of business of $2M+ (USD)

If the fit is not obvious on paper, it is still worth a conversation — partner briefs move with the candidate.