Firm Profile > Herbert Smith Freehills > Tokyo, Japan

‘The team works closely and simultaneously so that the performance is quick and based on common knowledge of the case, standard and even the knowledge of the conversation made between client and attorneys separately. They are very much responsive to the clients needs.’

‘They speak very frankly which we really appreciate. The opinion is straight forward but never gives negative feelings to client. We often communicate with Damien Roberts. They are a really good team and we are really happy to work with them and their performance is always satisfying.’

‘They are pragmatic, speedy and solution oriented with high legal professionalism and expertise.’

‘Joseph Fisher, based in Tokyo, is excellent in terms of negotiations, drafting and completion.’

‘HSF Japan is one of the very few legal firms who know our industry and how we operate. This knowledge means that they can provide the best advice on fairly niche industry topics. They also have the ability to pull in experts from around the world at short notice when necessary.’

‘I have worked with Joseph Fisher for a number of years now and he has always been excellent in not only giving thoughtful, measured advice, but also his time to help our business grow and develop in the local market. He shows passion and enthusiasm for the service we provide in Japan and for helping to develop our in-house legal team which is extremely helpful. His passion and dedication to understanding how our business works means that his advice is always well received.’

‘Significant practice history in Japan, with outstanding knowledge of local practice and customs and therefore ideally placed to assist inbound companies trying to resolve the myth of Japanese law and business.’

‘Graeme Preston and Damien Roberts, both partners of the firm, are hugely experienced with the Japanese market. Of counsel Joseph Fisher brings a wealth of knowledge adapted to Japanese business customs.’

‘The team had a great knowledge of the arbitration process and work well with Japanese counsel in pushing forward the arbitration, while also utilising the experts in a meaningful manner.’

‘Christopher Hunt is prompt, extremely commercial and has this exceptional ability to think outside of the box so as to achieve the best possible results for his clients.’

‘In our recent complex dispute case involving cross-border M&A and construction, the team had the advantage of having offices worldwide. We were given legal advice on a specific jurisdiction when necessary, with the support from our ‘one-stop’ contact in Japan.’

‘I appreciate their deep understanding of the Japanese culture. This is a key reason for our comfortableness regarding working with them.’

‘I have been working closely with Yusuke Homma, senior associate in the firm, who is a genius. He has rich experience in this practice, and is very thoughtful and well balanced. Not only knowledgeable and logical, he is also a really down-to-earth lawyer, which is very important to deal with when bringing this kind of case to a successful end. I really appreciate his competence very much.’

‘All of the team members have a high sense of professionalism but they are friendly and always try to give us practical advice in light of the client perspective.’

‘David Gilmore leads the team effectively. He has a strong commitment to clients and business partners. Yosuke Homma, senior associate, is a skilled bilingual attorney who can deal with various types of disputes and client communications in both English and Japanese.’

‘They have very well organised team. I have an impression that each lawyer is responsive.’