Projects & Energy: International | Asia-Pacific

A&O Shearman has a highly respected team of lawyers in Tokyo, frequently instructed by major Japanese lenders and sponsors, as well as prominent borrowers, on the financing of power, mining and LNG projects across Asia and Australia. The team also has deep ties to the biggest ECAs in Japan and South Korea and is adept at handling international solar and offshore wind projects. The law firm leverages its strong Singapore office to provide support for major infrastructure projects throughout the region and also leverages its strong global presence to represent East Asian lenders and sponsors on projects as far afield as the Middle East and Africa. Recent clients include JBIC, JERA and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation. On 1st May 2024, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merged to form A&O Shearman.

Milbank's team of lawyers in Japan has an impressive track record advising local and international clients, including trading houses, utilities and ECAs, regularly assisting with cross-border energy mandates across diverse jurisdictions. The team is especially experienced in the financing and development of projects in South-East Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. The firm excels in handling LNG and other traditional power projects, as well as advising on infrastructure mandates. Its key clients include JBIC, Equinor and Exxon Mobil.

Clifford Chance's legal team in Japan regularly represents high-profile clients on a range of domestic and cross-border project development, finance and operation matters. Its team of international lawyers works closely with domestic bengoshi to provide clients with a one-stop shop service. The team represents significant corporate and financial clients on infrastructure, mining, power and renewable energy matters, including the financing and development of onshore and overseas wind farm projects. Its key clients include Actis, Vena and Japan Bank for International Cooperation.

King & Spalding has an experienced legal team in Japan, which enjoys recognition in the market for its solid track record in the projects space. The firm's client base includes leading Japanese and Korean trading houses, banks and financial institutions, and is regularly engaged in LNG, wind and coal-fired power projects, as well as FPSOs, throughout South-East Asia and beyond. The team demonstrates activity advising Japanese clients regarding the development of FPSO projects in Brazil. Some of the firm's notable clients include TEPCO Renewable Power, BW Gas and Keppel Capital Holdings.

Linklaters advises on a broad suite of legal matters from its Tokyo office, including infrastructure, LNG and renewable power projects. The team leverages a comprehensive international network to advise Japanese lenders and sponsors on an array of complex cross-border financings. The firm advises on projects across Asia, Europe, the USA and the Middle East as well as in Japan and is notably active in the offshore wind space.

Morrison Foerster's team in Japan acts as legal counsel to significant clients on development and financing matters, especially for projects located in Japan, South-East Asia and further afield. Gas and LNG are areas of particular expertise, whilst the team remains active advising on renewable projects, most notably in the solar power sector. The team also maintains a strong record in handling IPP bids, restructuring of joint ventures and expansion of existing projects.

White & Case's legal team in Japan earns praise for its deep knowledge of LNG and logistics. The team attracts instructions on the development of major transport infrastructure and energy projects across the Asia-Pacific region and further afield, including in Africa, and also offers experience in the renewables sphere, especially on solar development. The firm's client base includes major Japanese trading companies, ECAs and utilities.

Baker McKenzie's Tokyo-based team is regularly instructed to advise on cross-border energy sector transactions, including off-take arrangements, tolling agreements, regulatory compliance and investment in natural resource assets. The team is highly proficient in advising on the development of LNG power plant projects, as well as solar and wind projects, representing international contractors and developers. The practice is routinely instructed by major institutional investors and trading houses, both Japanese and international, and has considerable experience in domestic PPP and PFI transactions.

Latham & Watkins' lawyers in Japan have extensive experience advising on the financing of headline power, mining and LNG projects across South-East Asia, Australia and further afield. The team notably represents sponsors and lenders, and is also experienced in acting for government bodies and state-owned enterprises. The firm has pronounced expertise in power projects in Indonesia and the Philippines and is well versed in tackling mandates requiring novel structuring elements. Amongst the firm's clients are such notable names as Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI).

Norton Rose Fulbright's legal team in Tokyo is highly regarded for its work advising on FPSO and LNG vessel finance and development. The firm acts for blue-chip Japanese corporations and major banks engaged in LNG and other projects in Latin America and the Middle East, with advice on bidding, tolling agreements and gas procurement. The team is also adept at handling onshore power generation and infrastructure projects and experienced in negotiating and structuring cross-border joint venture agreements.

Greenberg Traurig's Tokyo office is recognised for its presence in the Asian energy and infrastructure sectors. The department advises both Japanese and international clients, including financial institutions and energy companies, on matters involving energy transition, renewable energy, LNG and mining. Its key clients include JBIC, Mizuho Bank and FuelCell Energy.

Hunton Andrews Kurth is noted for its niche expertise in nuclear energy and is a frequent adviser to energy companies, banks and government bodies. The team is also well regarded for its expertise in other forms of clean energy financing and M&A, including wind and solar.

Mayer Brown has a robust legal team in Tokyo, regularly engaged by major Japanese corporates and lenders on cross-border energy and infrastructure projects. Having established its Tokyo office in 2018, the firm has been active on major energy sector transactions, advising on a range of outbound and inbound investments. The team is especially active in the offshore energy space and works closely with the firm's global network to effectively service clients.

Nishimura & Asahi has a robust bench of knowledgeable lawyers in Japan, adept at advising clients on the financing and development of renewable energy projects, with a large legal team capable of facilitating large-scale, complex developments. The firm represents both sponsors and lenders including major Japanese banks, trading companies and public authorities. The team is active across LNG, refinery and mining projects, as well as the financing and construction of coal and biomass power projects. Its key clients include Nomura, Hokuriku Electric Power and NTT.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe has a solid legal practice in Japan, regularly representing investors, trading firms and utilities on a variety of energy financings and development matters, with particular expertise advising on oil, gas and renewables transactions. The team regularly acts for international clients on energy sector investments and joint ventures and is noted for specialist renewable energy expertise that covers solar, wind and biomass matters. Daiwa Energy & Infrastructure, Pattern Energy Group and Green Power Investment are among the the team's clients.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman has a Tokyo-based construction, energy and infrastructure legal practice, which is active on a range of transactions. The firm offers notable experience on LNG development projects and transactions, acting for a range of Japanese corporates, contractors, trading houses and lenders. The team is additionally able to advise on construction disputes in the energy sector.

Sidley Austin has an active team of lawyers in Japan for energy sector investments, working closely with its global network to service clients on cross-border matters. The team acts for an impressive roster of Japanese trading houses, construction companies and other corporates and offers notable regulatory expertise in the energy sector.