Asia IP

Blake Dawson has opened its Tokyo office, making it the first Australian law firm to secure a licence to practise and have an office in Japan. The new office, located in the centre of Tokyo’s busy CBD, is the culmination of many years of focus by Blake Dawson’s Japan team led by Ian Williams, Rupert Lewi and new resident partner Natsuko Ogawa. Ogawa, who acts for a broad cross section of Japanese clients in M&A, joint ventures, energy and resources projects and has been appointed an international partner of the firm’s Asia practice, will lead the office.

“Attaining the licence represents not just a major step for Blake Dawson but for the Australian legal profession,” said Blake Dawson’s managing partner John Carrington. “It follows extensive discussions and engagement with the Japanese regulatory authorities and adds to the firm’s Asian presence that now spans Shanghai, Singapore, Jakarta and Port Moresby.”