Nishimura & Asahi, the largest law firm in Japan by headcount, has significantly changed its ownership structure, granting foreign-qualified lawyers the legal ability to serve as equity partners with management rights. The firm inaugurated its foreign law joint enterprise structure on September 4 and is now operating as Nishimura & Asahi (Gaikokuho Kyodo Jigyo).
Fascinatingly, this move comes roughly two years after a rival Japanese firm, Anderson Mori & Tomotsune, launched its own joint enterprise. The move is part of a broader trend towards internationalisation within the Japan’s legal industry, as firms seek to better service multinational clients and position themselves in the global landscape.
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