Construction
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : Japan
Spotlight
About
Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills
Herbert Smith Freehills' Tokyo-based Construction team offers unrivalled industry sector expertise, advising clients across the full spectrum of construction and infrastructure projects, including power and process plants, renewables, gas infrastructure, nuclear, shipbuilding, and road and rail.
We combine deep industry knowledge with legal insight, providing a full-service offering across the project lifecycle – from contract drafting and project development to dispute resolution and enforcement – to project owners, contractors and sub-contractors.
Our construction practice is distinguished by its ability to manage and resolve complex disputes through international arbitration and litigation, as well as via alternative forms of dispute resolution such as mediation and adjudication. We also excel in non-contentious, advising on and negotiating a variety of construction and engineering contracts, with extensive experience in EPC, EPCM, FEED, O&M, and more.
Our international practice leverages a global network of 23 offices across 20 jurisdictions, offering seamless, integrated services. This approach allows us to draw on diverse experiences and provide strategic advice that helps clients avoid pitfalls and execute successful projects no matter where they are located. By working closely with our projects, infrastructure, and energy teams, we ensure our services are aligned with broader industry trends and client needs.
Chambers Review
Herbert Smith Freehills has a pre-eminent team with a proven track record in handling complex contentious construction matters including disputes arising from transport infrastructure and energy projects, in addition to shipbuilding. The team acts for a diverse clientele including leading trading houses, developers and contractors. It also secures mandates to assist with tender offers for civil construction projects and EPC contract negotiations. It works in conjunction with local counsel to assist foreign corporations with domestic construction projects and is also a counsel of choice for domestic clients with outbound project financing and development needs.
Work Highlights
- Herbert Smith Freehillsadvised First Gen on its project to build and operate the first LNG import terminal in the Philippines.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Herbert Smith Freehills has an excellent disputes team which provides us with very targeted and strategic advice."
"We were particularly impressed by the legal advice, which was backed by deep and accurate knowledge, and by the fact that they accurately grasped our company's intentions."
"Herbert Smith Freehills has an excellent disputes team which provides us with very targeted and strategic advice."
"We were particularly impressed by the legal advice, which was backed by deep and accurate knowledge, and by the fact that they accurately grasped our company's intentions."
Notable Practitioners
Elaine Wong is a respected dispute resolution partner in the law firm's Tokyo office. She is noted for her experience in international arbitration involving major infrastructure and energy projects.
"Elaine Wong's team understands our intentions."
"Elaine Wong is highly skilled, conscientious and innovative. She has strategic vision and an excellent ability to see all angles."