Dispute Resolution: International
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : Japan
Band 1
About
Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills
Herbert Smith Freehills' disputes practice is consistently recognised as a global leader for international dispute resolution in Japan.
With attorneys licensed in England & Wales, Australia and the US, our multilingual Tokyo team specialises in international arbitration, regulatory compliance and corporate investigations and has particular expertise in the construction, infrastructure, energy, pharmaceutical, automotive, financial services and manufacturing industry sectors. Our Tokyo office offers an experienced and sizeable team on-the-ground coupled with access to its global network of over 500 disputes specialists (across 24 global offices) to ensure clients receive fast, efficient and expert advice regardless of the nature or location of their dispute.
In recognition of our position as a market leader, our Tokyo office has continued to expand in recent years, attracting recognised talent to its Corporate Crime & Investigations and Construction practices, reflecting the growing needs of Japanese clients.
Frequently representing multi-national corporations and Japan's largest companies in their most complex cross border disputes, regulatory compliance and enforcement matters, Herbert Smith Freehills is consistently recognised as a formidable powerhouse offering unrivalled service and expertise in international dispute resolution.
Chambers Review
Herbert Smith Freehills has a formidable dispute resolution team specialising in representing Japanese blue-chips in arbitration proceedings brought before several institutions including the ICC, SIAC and JCAA. The firm offers further expertise in other forms of ADR, such as mediation, and is recognised for its strength in the pharmaceutical, TMT, manufacturing and energy sectors. It is frequently instructed to assist with contractual disputes as well as cross-border investigations and compliance matters. The team has notable strengths in acting for clients on contentious issues concerning the Middle East and South-East Asian regions.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"HSF provided brilliant insight with quick responses to every query from us."
"HSF give advice backed by deep and accurate legal knowledge, and they firmly and promptly respond to our needs."
"HSF provided brilliant insight with quick responses to every query from us."
"HSF give advice backed by deep and accurate legal knowledge, and they firmly and promptly respond to our needs."
Notable Practitioners
David Gilmore has a distinguished reputation for his depth of experience handling high-stakes dispute resolution matters. His broad expertise spans multi-jurisdictional commercial arbitration cases, FCPA investigations and strategic crisis management mandates, with a particular focus on the pharmaceutical sector.
"David has successfully shown very good services to clients. He's able to appreciate the needs of large companies and has worked very diligently."
Elaine Wong is based in Herbert Smith Freehills' Tokyo office after a period based in Singapore, which she leverages to offer clients advice on cross-border matters pertaining to South-East Asia. She often acts for Japanese automotive and manufacturing clients on a range of contentious matters, including investigations.
"She is an excellent lawyer. Elaine combines attention to detail, foresight and agility, and she also has integrity."
Ranked Lawyers at
Herbert Smith Freehills
Japan