James Clayton-Payne > Latham & Watkins Gaikokuho Joint Enterprise > Tokyo, Japan > Lawyer Profile

Latham & Watkins LLP has demonstrated its strong expertise in cross-border M&A and private equity transactions, along with start-up and venture capital matters. The firm’s standing brings it engagements from multiple jurisdictions in Southeast Asia, including top local, regional and global clients. It has also developed its reputation in privacy and cybersecurity, along with commercial contracts and outsourcing, and regulatory and licensing expertise. James Clayton-Payne is a leading transactional lawyer with a background in TMT deals. Counsel Esther Franks leads the office’s cyber and privacy practice and data and technology transactions team.

Latham & Watkins LLP’s energy and infrastructure industry group often advises clients on multi-jurisdictional matters across the oil and gas, renewables and LNG sectors. The firm’s clients span the entire energy value chain, from national oil companies, state-owned energy companies, global energy majors, to private equity and investment funds active in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Notably, Sidharth Bhasin advises clients on M&A, investments and joint ventures across Asia, with an emphasis on transactions in the energy and infrastructure sectors. James Clayton-Payne focuses on handling transactions in the energy infrastructure, digital infrastructure, oil and gas, and all other natural resources sectors. Don Stokes often assists clients on complex infrastructure and energy project developments and financings throughout Asia.

Counting private equity houses, corporates, funds and financial institutions among its key roster of clients, Latham & Watkins LLP showcases demonstrable experience in public M&A, private takeovers, joint ventures, corporate restructurings and disposals, and is well-placed to advise on US, English and Singapore law. Practice leader Amy Beckingham advises on the entire lifecycle of clients’ investments and Sidharth Bhasin’s workload encompasses private equity investments and exits, public and private M&A and joint ventures. James Clayton-Payne maintains a track record in cross-border M&A and joint venture transactions in Asia and the Middle East, while Sharon Lau counts private equity sponsors, corporates and financial investors among her key roster of clients. Other names to note include Marcus Lee and Farhana Sharmeen.

Latham & Watkins LLP has a global focus on start-up and venture capital work, which includes a major presence in Silicon Valley and other key centres. The Singapore team works closely with colleagues in the US and other international offices, with the key partners having a background in corporate and M&A and private equity buyouts, right down to seed and early-stage funding rounds. The group features both Singapore and international lawyers, covering the full spectrum of technology and life sciences deals, along with other key growth company segments. James Clayton-Payne has a background in venture capital and growth company business, as does Singapore and UK-qualified Farhana Sharmeen. Private equity and venture capital specialist Amy Beckingham splits her time between Singapore and Hong Kong.

Latham & Watkins LLP has a wealth of experience advising on cross-border transactions involving Indonesia. The team advises clients across a range of sectors, including telecoms, oil and gas, retail, and power. Sharon Lau focusses on M&A and capital markets transactions; she recently advised Merdeka Battery Materials on its IPO on the Indonesian Stock Exchange. With more than two decades of experience, Timothy Hia is recommended for complex financing and refinancing mandates. Stephen McWilliams is a further standout member of the team with a specialty in handling infrastructure and energy projects. James Clayton-Payne, Marcus Lee and Sidharth Bhasin are also of note.