Mayer Brown has significantly bolstered its Tokyo presence by recruiting partners Toshiro Mochizuki and Kana Morimura from A&O Shearman. This strategic move enhances Mayer Brown’s capabilities in capital markets and dispute resolution within the Japanese market.
The addition of Mochizuki and Morimura follows the recent appointment of Masahisa Ikeda as the managing partner of Mayer Brown’s Tokyo office. Ikeda, formerly the head of A&O Shearman’s Tokyo office, brings extensive experience in capital markets, cross-border mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance. His leadership is expected to further strengthen the firm’s services to Japanese clients. ([mayerbrown.com](https://www.mayerbrown.com/en/news/2026/02/mayer-brown-expands-tokyo-office-and-global-corporate-securities-practice-with-the-addition-of-partner-masahisa-ikeda?utm_source=openai))
These developments come amid a period of significant lateral hiring by Mayer Brown. In 2025, the firm increased its lateral partner hires from 26 to 56, focusing on strategic growth areas such as leveraged finance, private credit, and energy. This deliberate expansion reflects Mayer Brown’s commitment to enhancing its global platform and delivering comprehensive legal services to its clients. ([mayerbrown.com](https://www.mayerbrown.com/en/news/2025/12/inside-mayer-brown-lateral-partner-strategy?utm_source=openai))
Conversely, A&O Shearman has been actively expanding its U.S. energy practice. In April 2025, the firm added partners Paul Astolfi and Katy McNeil to its Energy, Natural Resources, and Infrastructure practice. Both partners joined from Mayer Brown, bringing expertise in energy transition matters and renewable energy projects. ([aoshearman.com](https://www.aoshearman.com/en/news/ao-shearman-strengthens-us-energy-and-energy-transition-offering-with-two-strategic-partner-hires?utm_source=openai))
These strategic moves by both firms underscore the dynamic nature of the legal industry, where firms continually adapt their strategies to meet client needs and strengthen their market positions.