Clifford Chance (Gaikokuho Kyodo Jigyo)‘s well-established provides an offering that encompasses advising its roster of clients on asset acquisitions, divestments and developments. With a particular focus on investments, practice head Yoshiaki Shimizu serves a broad clientele, from financial institutions to real estate and sovereign funds; Shimizu is noted for his ’outstanding professional expertise and industry insights’. Leng-Fong Lai handles matters for both sponsors and financiers, with considerable knowledge of senior mezzanine and hybrid financing structures, in particular. Another noteworthy team member is Eiichi Kanda who assists with major land sales and purchases.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Yoshiaki Shimizu is an exceptionally passionate partner who, while also possessing outstanding professional expertise and industry insights, consistently delivers highly timely work support even under tight project timelines.'
'Yoshiaki Shimizu goes above and beyond to provide clients with innovative ideas and value-added thoughts. We look forward to collaborating with Mr. Shimizu again and strongly recommend his team to any market players who seek presence in Japan.’
‘Clifford Chance’s international real estate and construction team demonstrates exceptional expertise and practical capability, even in complex cross-border matters.'
'In particular, their ability to provide precise, jurisdiction-specific legal advice stands out when navigating multi-jurisdictional structures involving foreign capital for real estate investments in Japan, as is the case with our company.’
‘The partner and associates we have worked with are all professionals with a strong international perspective and a deep understanding of Japanese corporate culture. We especially value their negotiation skills and the precision of their legal documentation.'
- 'Yoshiaki Shimizu stands out for his strategic thinking and practical flexibility; his advice is consistently well-considered and aligned with the client’s interests.’
Key clients
- PIMCO Prime Real Estate
Work highlights
Advised PIMCO Prime Real Estate on their series of acquisitions of residential portfolio under the fund platform formed by PIMCO Prime Real Estate and co-invested by Ivanhoe Cambridge.
Lawyers
Leading partners: Bengoshi
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners: Bengoshi
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Yoshiaki Shimizu
Other key lawyers
Leng-Fong Lai; Eiichi Kanda