Withers establishes Japan disputes team with new partner Hiroko Nihei

International law firm Withers has launched an arbitration and litigation practice in Tokyo with the arrival of new partner Hiroko Nihei. Hiroko joins Withers from Hillford Law, a firm she co-founded following the closure of O'Melveny & Myers' Tokyo practice.

Hiroko specialises in complex cross-border litigation, international arbitration and contentious intellectual property matters. Her experience spans Japanese, US and international proceedings with a particularly strong focus on international commercial arbitration under ICC and JCAA rules, arbitration-related court proceedings in Japan and multi-jurisdictional intellectual property disputes. 

She has acted for leading Japanese, US and Asian corporates, including major technology, financial services, and multinational industrial clients, with particular strength in technology, media and internet-related matters.

Peter Wood, CEO of Withers' Dispute Resolution division, comments: "Expanding our disputes practice into Japan, through the leadership and experience of Hiroko, is an important next step for the firm. Her broad capabilities in litigation and arbitration are an exceptionally solid foundation on which to start expanding our team, and we look forward to developing a thriving disputes group in Tokyo."

Hiroko adds: "I'm delighted to join Withers and set about building the litigation and arbitration team in Japan and working with colleagues across the world. Many of my clients will welcome Withers' international platform and the access it grants to advice and assistance across Asia, the US and Europe."