Global legal practice Norton Rose Fulbright has today announced the appointment of Eiji Kobayashi as a corporate partner in its Tokyo office. Eiji joins from Japan’s largest law firm, Nishimura & Asahi where he was a foreign law partner and co-head of the Cross Border Transactions group. Prior to this, he worked in the Houston, Texas and Tokyo offices of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.
Eiji is a US qualified Japanese national M&A lawyer. He was brought up in Texas and has practiced in both the US and Japan. His practice is focused on advising Japanese corporates on outbound investments and M&A transactions.
Norton Rose Fulbright’s office in Tokyo advises prominent Japanese banks, government agencies, trading houses, insurers and other major corporates on a wide range of legal issues. Eiji will work closely with Tokyo partners Chris Viner, George Gibson, Jeremy Gibb and Adrian Joyce.
Martin Scott, Managing Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright LLP commented:
“We anticipate a significant increase in outbound investment activity from Japanese corporates. Eiji’s extensive experience advising Japanese clients on M&A in many jurisdictions internationally is a perfect fit for Norton Rose Fulbright’s global practice.”
Phillip John, Head of North Asia, Norton Rose Fulbright commented:
“Our Tokyo office plays a critical role both as a provider of English legal services in Japan and as a gateway for local clients to our global platform of over 50 offices. Eiji has an excellent track record and adds the dual capacity to work with Japanese clients in their own language whilst also being able to advise and guide those clients through international transactions.”
Eiji Kobayashi commented:
“The US, Canada, and Latin America are all major markets for Japanese corporates looking to invest overseas, and all have a strong Norton Rose Fulbright presence. Moving to a firm with the global coverage of Norton Rose Fulbright ensures I can advise clients on their outbound investments and connect them with the best local advice in their target jurisdictions, wherever they may be.”
Eiji is the second new partner in the Tokyo office in the past 12 months following the promotion of Adrian Joyce in early 2014.
