James Clayton-Payne > Latham & Watkins LLP > Seoul, South Korea > Lawyer Profile

With an even mix of company and investor side representation, Latham & Watkins LLP has accumulated significant experience at all stages of the start-up life-cycle, from financing needs and M&A to crypto payments, data and technology advice. Ji Liu heads the firm’s corporate offering in Asia and is a leading figure. James Clayton-Payne is also a key presence; having advised a broad range of start-ups, venture capital investors and corporate venture capital vehicles in all rounds of fundraising, beginning with seed and continuing to Series F+ and exit.

Latham & Watkins LLP has a considerable presence in energy sector M&A and investment, along with bulge-bracket financings. With a background in conventional energy it has made a further impact in energy transition and renewables, covering oil and gas, LNG, traditional power and renewables such as wind, geothermal, and solar. Sidharth Bhasin and James Clayton-Payne are experienced figures in M&A, private equity investments, joint ventures, and other corporate transactions. Don Stokes is a seasoned name in project development and finance in the region and is particularly known for Vietnam LNG-to-power and renewable energy matters.

Noted for its capabilities in US, English and Singapore law advice, Latham & Watkins LLP handles the full spectrum of mandates, including public M&A, private takeovers, joint ventures, corporate restructuring and disposals. Amy Beckingham, who splits her time between the firm’s offices in Singapore and Hong Kong, advises on public and private M&A and joint ventures, while Sidharth Bhasin acts for private equity, sovereign wealth, and pension funds, as well as Asian and international corporates, on cross-border transactions. James Clayton-Payne focuses on multi-jurisdictional M&A and joint ventures, and Sharon Lau has experience in acquisitions and corporate finance transactions. Other key contacts in the group include Marcus Lee and Farhana Sharmeen.