A Practical Directory of Japanese and International Law Firms Active in Commercial Real Estate
Introduction
Buying commercial real estate in Japan usually requires more than negotiating a price with the seller.
A transaction can involve:
- Property due diligence
- Purchase agreements
- Real estate financing
- Trust beneficiary interests
- GK-TK structures
- TMK structures
- Asset management agreements
- Development agreements
- Construction contracts
- Leasing
- Joint ventures
- Regulatory issues
- Tax structuring
- Cross-border investment structures
Legal advisers therefore play an important role throughout the investment process.
For foreign investors, the choice of law firm can be particularly important because a transaction may involve both:
Japanese real estate law
and
cross-border investment considerations.
Japan has several large domestic law firms with substantial real estate practices.
There are also international law firms in Tokyo with significant experience advising overseas investors entering the Japanese property market.
This guide introduces selected law firms active in Japanese commercial real estate.
It is not a ranking.
The appropriate law firm depends on the transaction, asset class, investment structure, financing and investor requirements.
Inclusion in this directory does not imply that a particular firm is appropriate for every transaction.
Why Real Estate Lawyers Matter in Japan
A simplified institutional acquisition may involve:
Foreign Investor
↓
Investment / Asset Manager
↓
Japanese SPC
↓
Real Estate or Trust Beneficiary Interest
Around this structure may be:
Seller
Broker
Lender
Trust Bank
Property Manager
Operator
General Contractor
Tax Adviser
and
Lawyers
The legal adviser helps connect these different parts of the transaction.
What Does a Real Estate Lawyer Do?
Depending on the transaction, legal work may include:
Acquisition Documentation
- Letter of intent
- Purchase and sale agreement
- Conditions precedent
- Closing documentation
Legal Due Diligence
- Ownership
- Mortgages
- Easements
- Leases
- Encumbrances
- Property-related agreements
- Regulatory matters
Investment Structure
- GK-TK
- TMK
- Joint ventures
- Trust structures
- Fund structures
Financing
- Loan agreements
- Security documentation
- Intercreditor arrangements
- Non-recourse financing
- Mezzanine financing
Development
- Development agreements
- Construction contracts
- Project agreements
- Land-related issues
Operations
- Lease agreements
- Property-management agreements
- Asset-management agreements
- Hotel-management agreements
Exit
- Property sale
- Trust beneficiary interest sale
- Portfolio sale
- Refinancing
- Corporate or fund-level transactions
For an explanation of common Japanese investment vehicles, see Understanding Japanese Real Estate Investment Structures: GK-TK, TMK and Trust Beneficiary Interests.
Major Japanese Law Firms
Japan has several large domestic law firms with substantial institutional real estate practices.
These firms frequently advise:
- Real estate investors
- Developers
- Banks
- Asset managers
- J-REITs
- Private funds
- Corporations
Anderson Mori & Tomotsune
Type: Major Japanese law firm
Anderson Mori & Tomotsune, commonly known as AMT, has a major real estate practice covering sophisticated property transactions.
Its work includes areas such as:
- Property acquisitions
- Real estate financing
- Development
- Real estate funds
- J-REITs
- Securitization
- Capital markets
The firm advises a broad range of market participants including investors, developers, financial institutions and real estate companies.
Its combination of real estate, finance, corporate and regulatory capabilities can be useful for complex institutional transactions.
Relevant For:
- Institutional acquisitions
- Real estate finance
- Fund structures
- J-REITs
- Development
- Cross-border investment
Official Website: Anderson Mori & Tomotsune
Mori Hamada
Type: Major Japanese law firm
Mori Hamada has a highly active real estate practice.
Its experience includes:
- Real estate acquisitions
- Trust beneficiary interests
- Real estate finance
- GK-TK structures
- TMK structures
- Real estate funds
- J-REITs
- Cross-border transactions
The firm advises financial institutions, asset managers, investors and other major market participants.
For institutional investors using Japanese SPC structures, the combination of real estate and structured-finance expertise can be particularly relevant.
Relevant For:
- Acquisitions
- Disposals
- Real estate finance
- GK-TK
- TMK
- J-REITs
- Cross-border investment
Official Website: Mori Hamada
Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu
Type: Major Japanese law firm
Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu, commonly known as NO&T, is another leading Japanese law firm with extensive real estate experience.
Its practice covers sophisticated transactions involving:
- Acquisitions
- Joint ventures
- Real estate funds
- J-REITs
- Financing
- Development
- Cross-border transactions
The firm also has significant experience in hotel-related acquisitions and financing.
This can be relevant because hotel transactions may require additional agreements involving:
- Operators
- Brands
- Management agreements
- Lease structures
in addition to conventional property documentation.
Relevant For:
- Institutional real estate
- Acquisitions
- J-REITs
- Joint ventures
- Real estate funds
- Hotels
- Cross-border transactions
Official Website: Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu
Nishimura & Asahi
Type: Major Japanese law firm
Nishimura & Asahi has a substantial real estate and construction practice serving both Japanese and international clients.
Its work includes:
- Large-scale acquisitions
- Development
- Real estate financing
- REIT transactions
- Cross-border investment
- Structured transactions
The firm also advises foreign investors acquiring Japanese real estate.
Its broader international network can be useful where a Japanese property transaction forms part of a larger cross-border investment strategy.
Relevant For:
- Large acquisitions
- Development
- Real estate finance
- REITs
- Cross-border investment
- Institutional investors
Official Website: Nishimura & Asahi
TMI Associates
Type: Major Japanese law firm
TMI Associates is a large Japanese law firm with a broad corporate practice that includes real estate and construction.
Its real estate work can involve:
- Acquisitions
- Development
- Leasing
- Real estate finance
- Construction
- Investment structures
The firm’s broad corporate capabilities can also be relevant where real estate transactions overlap with:
- M&A
- Corporate restructuring
- Operating businesses
- Intellectual property
- Regulatory issues
Relevant For:
- Real estate transactions
- Development
- Construction
- Corporate real estate
- M&A-related property matters
Official Website: TMI Associates
Other Japanese Firms With Significant Real Estate Practices
Japan’s legal market extends beyond the largest firms.
Several other Japanese law firms have substantial experience in property, construction and real estate finance.
Atsumi & Sakai
Type: Japanese law firm with international capabilities
Atsumi & Sakai advises both domestic and international clients.
Its practice includes:
- Real estate
- Banking
- Finance
- Investment funds
- Cross-border transactions
The firm includes Japanese lawyers and registered foreign lawyers, which can be particularly useful for overseas investors.
Official Website: Atsumi & Sakai
Ushijima & Partners
Type: Japanese law firm
Ushijima & Partners has a long-established real estate practice.
Its work includes property transactions and disputes as well as broader corporate matters.
The firm can be relevant where an investor requires specialized Japanese real estate expertise outside the largest full-service firms.
Official Website: Ushijima & Partners
City-Yuwa Partners
Type: Japanese law firm
City-Yuwa Partners advises clients on a range of corporate and real estate matters.
Its real estate practice includes transactions involving:
- Property
- Finance
- Development
- Investment
Official Website: City-Yuwa Partners
Iwata Godo
Type: Japanese law firm
Iwata Godo is a long-established Japanese business law firm.
Its practice includes real estate and construction matters alongside:
- Corporate
- Finance
- Litigation
- Regulatory work
Official Website: Iwata Godo
Kaynex Law Offices
Type: Japanese law firm
Kaynex Law Offices is another firm active in Japanese real estate transactions.
Its inclusion among firms recognized for Japanese real estate and construction demonstrates that investors have options beyond the largest national firms.
Official Website: Kaynex Law Offices
Oh-Ebashi LPC & Partners
Type: Japanese law firm
Oh-Ebashi LPC & Partners is a major Japanese business law firm with offices including Tokyo and Osaka.
Its broad practice can be relevant to:
- Real estate
- Construction
- Corporate transactions
- Finance
- Disputes
Official Website: Oh-Ebashi LPC & Partners
International Law Firms Active in Japanese Real Estate
International firms can be particularly relevant for foreign investors.
Their Tokyo teams may combine:
Japanese bengoshi
registered foreign lawyers
international transaction experience.
This can be useful where investment decisions involve teams located in:
- United States
- Europe
- Asia-Pacific
- Middle East
- Other jurisdictions
Morrison Foerster
Type: International law firm
Morrison Foerster has a substantial Tokyo real estate practice advising both Japanese and international clients.
Its work includes:
- Real estate acquisitions
- Real estate financing
- Fund formation
- Joint ventures
- Portfolio transactions
- Cross-border acquisitions
The firm is particularly well known for inbound Japanese transactions involving international investors.
Relevant For:
- Foreign investors
- Cross-border acquisitions
- Real estate finance
- Joint ventures
- Fund formation
- Portfolio transactions
Official Website: Morrison Foerster
Greenberg Traurig
Type: International law firm
Greenberg Traurig has an established Tokyo real estate practice.
Its team advises:
- Private equity funds
- Asset managers
- Developers
- International investors
on inbound and outbound transactions.
Its real estate experience spans property sectors including:
- Office
- Hotels
- Data centers
- Retail
Relevant For:
- Foreign investors
- Private equity
- Cross-border acquisitions
- Development
- Hotels
- Data centers
Official Website: Greenberg Traurig
Baker McKenzie
Type: International law firm
Baker McKenzie has a longstanding presence in Japan and combines Japanese and international legal capabilities.
Its real estate and construction work can include:
- Acquisitions
- Development
- Leasing
- Finance
- Cross-border transactions
Its large international network can be particularly useful where a real estate investment involves several jurisdictions.
Official Website: Baker McKenzie
Clifford Chance
Type: International law firm
Clifford Chance is a major global law firm with a Tokyo office and experience in Japanese real estate transactions.
Its broader strengths in:
- Banking
- Structured finance
- Private equity
- Investment funds
- Capital markets
can be particularly relevant to large institutional property investments.
Relevant For:
- Institutional investors
- Real estate finance
- Private equity
- Cross-border transactions
- Structured investments
Official Website: Clifford Chance
DLA Piper
Type: International law firm
DLA Piper operates a Tokyo practice within its extensive international network.
Its Japanese real estate capabilities can be relevant to:
- International acquisitions
- Development
- Leasing
- Investment
- Corporate transactions
Official Website: DLA Piper
Morgan Lewis
Type: International law firm
Morgan Lewis has a Tokyo presence and experience advising foreign investors on Japanese real estate.
Its lawyers have experience in areas including:
- Acquisitions
- Joint ventures
- Real estate finance
- Cross-border investment
The firm can therefore be relevant to international real estate funds and other overseas investors.
Official Website: Morgan Lewis
Withers
Type: International law firm
Withers has a Japan practice and advises international investors, companies and private clients.
Its real estate capabilities can be particularly relevant where property ownership intersects with:
- International investment
- Private capital
- Family wealth
- Cross-border structuring
Official Website: Withers
White & Case
Type: International law firm
White & Case maintains a significant Tokyo practice.
Its broader strengths include:
- Banking
- Finance
- M&A
- Private equity
- Projects
- Cross-border transactions
The firm’s international capabilities can be relevant to complex property investments involving financing or corporate structures.
Official Website: White & Case
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
Type: International law firm
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has a Tokyo presence and is active across major international transactions.
Its capabilities can be relevant where real estate intersects with:
- Corporate transactions
- Infrastructure
- Energy
- Investment
- Cross-border matters
Official Website: Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
Jones Day
Type: International law firm
Jones Day has operated in Tokyo for decades and provides broad corporate legal services.
Its real estate-related work can form part of larger:
- Corporate transactions
- Investments
- Development projects
- Cross-border matters
Official Website: Jones Day
Selected Real Estate Law Firms in Japan
| Law Firm | Type | Selected Areas of Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Anderson Mori & Tomotsune | Japanese | Acquisitions, finance, funds, J-REITs, development |
| Mori Hamada | Japanese | Acquisitions, finance, GK-TK, TMK, J-REITs |
| Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu | Japanese | Acquisitions, funds, hotels, finance, J-REITs |
| Nishimura & Asahi | Japanese | Acquisitions, development, finance, cross-border |
| TMI Associates | Japanese | Transactions, development, construction |
| Atsumi & Sakai | Japanese / international | Real estate, finance, funds, cross-border |
| Ushijima & Partners | Japanese | Real estate transactions and disputes |
| City-Yuwa Partners | Japanese | Property, development, finance |
| Iwata Godo | Japanese | Real estate, construction, corporate |
| Kaynex Law Offices | Japanese | Real estate and construction |
| Oh-Ebashi LPC & Partners | Japanese | Real estate, construction, corporate |
| Morrison Foerster | International | Inbound acquisitions, finance, funds, JVs |
| Greenberg Traurig | International | Private equity, inbound investment, development |
| Baker McKenzie | International | Cross-border real estate and construction |
| Clifford Chance | International | Institutional transactions and finance |
| DLA Piper | International | Cross-border real estate |
| Morgan Lewis | International | Acquisitions, JVs and finance |
| Withers | International | International and private capital |
| White & Case | International | Finance and cross-border transactions |
| Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer | International | International transactions |
| Jones Day | International | Corporate and cross-border matters |
This table is intended as an orientation rather than a ranking.
Real Estate Acquisitions
One of the most common reasons to hire a real estate lawyer is an acquisition.
A simplified process may involve:
LOI
↓
Due Diligence
↓
Purchase Agreement
↓
Financing
↓
Closing
The buyer’s lawyer may review:
- Title
- Trust documents
- Leases
- Material agreements
- Regulatory matters
- Litigation
- Encumbrances
- Purchase documentation
The lawyer may also coordinate with:
- Asset manager
- Tax adviser
- Lender
- Trust bank
- Technical adviser
Real Estate Trust Beneficiary Interests
Institutional Japanese properties are frequently traded as:
Trust Beneficiary Interests
rather than direct transfers of land and buildings.
A simplified structure is:
Real Estate
↓
entrusted to
↓
Trust Bank
↓
issues
↓
Trust Beneficiary Interest
↓
owned by
↓
Investor / SPC
The legal adviser therefore needs to understand both conventional property law and trust structures.
GK-TK and TMK Structures
Foreign institutional investors frequently encounter Japanese investment vehicles including:
GK-TK
and
TMK.
These structures involve legal, tax and regulatory considerations.
The legal team may work alongside:
- Tax advisers
- Accountants
- Asset managers
- Lenders
to establish the investment platform.
For more, see Understanding Japanese Real Estate Investment Structures: GK-TK, TMK and Trust Beneficiary Interests.
Real Estate Financing
Lawyers also play an important role in financing.
A non-recourse transaction may involve:
Investor
↓
Equity
↓
SPC
← Loan ← Bank
↓
Real Estate
Legal documentation can include:
- Loan agreement
- Security agreement
- Pledge
- Mortgage-related documentation
- Account-control arrangements
- Intercreditor agreements
- Sponsor support documentation
The lender normally has its own legal counsel.
The borrower therefore usually needs separate representation.
For a broader overview of the Japanese lender universe, see Major Real Estate Lenders and Banks in Japan.
Development and Construction
Development transactions require additional legal expertise.
Issues may involve:
- Land acquisition
- Development agreements
- Construction contracts
- Architect agreements
- Permits
- Completion
- Defects
- Cost overruns
The legal adviser may work closely with:
- Developer
- General contractor
- Lender
- Architect
- Investor
For more on construction counterparties, see Major General Contractors and Construction Companies in Japan.
Hotel Transactions
Hotels introduce another layer of legal complexity.
In addition to the property itself, the investor may need to consider:
- Hotel operator
- Brand
- Management agreement
- Lease agreement
- FF&E
- Operating licenses
- Employees
- Revenue arrangements
A hotel acquisition can therefore involve both:
real estate
and
operating-business considerations.
Different law firms may have different levels of experience with hospitality transactions.
Data Centers
Data-center transactions can also require specialist legal knowledge.
Issues may include:
- Power
- Development
- Construction
- Customer agreements
- Technology
- Infrastructure
- Land
- Financing
This is another example of why selecting a law firm solely because it “does real estate” may not always be sufficient.
The asset class can matter.
Leasing
Commercial leasing can involve:
- Ordinary leases
- Fixed-term leases
- Master leases
- Subleases
- Tenant protections
- Rent revisions
- Restoration obligations
Japanese lease law can differ materially from systems familiar to overseas investors.
For more on leasing, see Commercial Real Estate Lease Structures in Japan.
J-REITs and Real Estate Funds
Law firms also advise:
- J-REITs
- Private real estate funds
- Asset managers
- Investment managers
Legal work can include:
- Fund formation
- Acquisitions
- Financing
- Capital markets
- Governance
- Regulatory matters
For an overview of major listed property vehicles, see Major J-REITs in Japan.
For investment managers, see Major Real Estate Investment and Asset Management Firms in Japan.
How Foreign Investors Can Find a Real Estate Lawyer in Japan
Foreign investors do not necessarily need to select a law firm without local guidance.
Several transaction participants may be able to provide introductions.
Ask the Asset Manager
A Japanese asset manager experienced with foreign investors will normally interact regularly with law firms.
The AM may know which legal teams are experienced in:
- Foreign-sponsored transactions
- GK-TK
- TMK
- Non-recourse finance
- Trust beneficiary interests
- Particular asset classes
A practical route can therefore be:
Foreign Investor
↓
Japan Asset Manager
↓
introduces
↓
Real Estate Law Firms Experienced With Foreign Investors
For more on choosing an AM, see How to Choose a Commercial Real Estate Asset Manager in Japan.
Ask the Broker
An investment-sales broker may also be able to suggest firms frequently involved in similar transactions.
Brokers regularly encounter lawyers representing:
- Buyers
- Sellers
- Developers
- Funds
and can therefore provide useful market context.
For more on brokerage firms, see Major Commercial Real Estate Brokerage Firms in Japan.
Ask the Lender
If financing discussions have already begun, the lender may also know law firms experienced with the relevant financing structure.
Banks regularly work with lawyers on:
- Non-recourse loans
- Security
- SPC structures
- Refinancing
However, the borrower and lender generally require separate legal representation.
A lender introduction can therefore help identify experienced firms, but investors should independently determine whether the suggested firm is appropriate and free from conflicts.
Ask Other Foreign Investors
Other institutional investors can be another useful source.
Investors that have completed similar transactions in Japan may have practical experience with:
- Service quality
- English communication
- Transaction execution
- Asset-class expertise
How to Choose a Real Estate Law Firm
There is no universally best real estate law firm.
The appropriate firm depends on the transaction.
Relevant questions can include:
Does the Firm Regularly Handle Real Estate?
A large corporate law firm is not automatically a real estate specialist.
Ask about relevant transaction experience.
Does the Firm Understand the Asset Class?
Experience with a Tokyo office acquisition does not necessarily mean extensive experience with:
- Hotels
- Data centers
- Healthcare
- Development
Does the Firm Handle Real Estate Finance?
If the acquisition involves debt, financing expertise can be important.
Does the Firm Understand Foreign Investors?
Cross-border investors may require:
- English documentation
- Overseas investment-committee support
- Cross-border structuring
- Coordination with overseas counsel
Does the Firm Understand Japanese Investment Vehicles?
For institutional investors, experience with:
- GK-TK
- TMK
- Trust beneficiary interests
can be important.
Who Will Actually Work on the Transaction?
The reputation of the firm matters.
But investors should also understand:
- Lead partner
- Day-to-day lawyer
- Team size
- Relevant experience
Does the Firm Have Conflicts?
Large law firms represent many:
- Banks
- Developers
- Funds
- Asset managers
Conflict checks can therefore become important.
How Are Fees Calculated?
Possible fee structures include:
- Hourly rates
- Estimated transaction budgets
- Fixed fees for defined work
- Hybrid structures
Investors should understand the expected scope before engagement.
Domestic Firm or International Firm?
Foreign investors sometimes assume they need an international law firm.
That is not necessarily true.
A major Japanese firm may offer:
- Extensive English capability
- International offices
- Cross-border expertise
- Deep Japanese real estate knowledge
Conversely, an international firm’s Tokyo practice may offer:
- Japanese bengoshi
- Foreign lawyers
- Global investor relationships
- Cross-border coordination
The better question is therefore not:
“Japanese or international?”
It is:
“Which legal team is best suited to this transaction?”
Using More Than One Law Firm
Large transactions can involve several legal advisers.
For example:
Buyer Counsel
Seller Counsel
Lender Counsel
Operator Counsel
Joint Venture Partner Counsel
There may also be:
- Overseas counsel
- Tax counsel
- Regulatory specialists
Complex transactions therefore require coordination among several legal teams.
Lawyers Are Only One Part of the Advisory Team
A foreign investor may also need:
- Asset manager
- Broker
- Tax adviser
- Accountant
- Appraiser
- Technical adviser
- Environmental adviser
- Lender
- Property manager
The legal adviser works within this broader professional ecosystem.
A simplified acquisition team might look like:
Investor
↓
Asset Manager
↓
Broker + Lawyer + Tax Adviser + Technical Adviser + Lender
↓
Acquisition
The strength of the overall team can be as important as the selection of any single adviser.
Questions to Ask a Potential Real Estate Law Firm
Before appointing counsel, investors may ask:
- How many Japanese real estate transactions do you handle?
- Do you regularly represent foreign investors?
- Do you have experience with this asset class?
- Do you handle trust beneficiary interest transactions?
- Do you advise on GK-TK structures?
- Do you advise on TMK structures?
- Do you handle non-recourse financing?
- Have you represented borrowers as well as lenders?
- Do you advise J-REITs or private real estate funds?
- Do you handle development transactions?
- Do you have hotel experience?
- Do you have data-center experience?
- Who will lead the transaction?
- Who will handle the day-to-day work?
- Can the team work fully in English?
- What conflicts should be considered?
- How are fees calculated?
- Can you provide a fee estimate?
- Which other advisers will you need to coordinate with?
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the major real estate law firms in Japan?
Major firms with substantial Japanese real estate practices include Anderson Mori & Tomotsune, Mori Hamada, Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu and Nishimura & Asahi.
Other firms with significant real estate capabilities include TMI Associates, Atsumi & Sakai, Ushijima & Partners, City-Yuwa Partners and others.
Which international law firms handle Japanese real estate?
International firms active in the market include Morrison Foerster, Greenberg Traurig, Baker McKenzie, Clifford Chance, DLA Piper, Morgan Lewis, Withers, White & Case and others.
This is not an exhaustive list.
Do foreign investors need a Japanese lawyer to buy commercial real estate?
Institutional Japanese real estate transactions generally involve Japanese legal issues and documentation, making Japanese legal counsel an important part of the acquisition team.
Can Japanese law firms work in English?
Many major Japanese law firms regularly advise international investors and have substantial English-language capabilities.
Should a foreign investor choose a Japanese or international law firm?
Either may be appropriate.
The more important considerations are the team’s Japanese real estate expertise, transaction experience, cross-border capability, asset-class knowledge and ability to work with the investor’s other advisers.
What is a trust beneficiary interest?
Japanese institutional real estate is frequently placed into trust, with the investor acquiring the resulting trust beneficiary interest rather than directly acquiring the underlying land and building.
What legal structures do foreign real estate investors use in Japan?
Institutional investors frequently encounter structures involving GK-TK arrangements, TMKs and real estate trust beneficiary interests.
Can an asset manager recommend a law firm?
Potentially.
An experienced asset manager may know legal teams regularly involved in transactions similar to the investor’s proposed acquisition.
Can a broker recommend a law firm?
Potentially.
Commercial real estate brokers interact with legal advisers on transactions and may be able to identify firms active in the relevant part of the market.
Can a bank recommend a real estate law firm?
A lender may be familiar with law firms experienced in real estate finance.
However, borrowers and lenders generally require separate legal representation, and conflict checks remain important.
Do hotel acquisitions require specialist legal expertise?
Hotel transactions can involve operating, management, branding, licensing and other issues in addition to conventional property matters, so relevant hospitality experience can be useful.
Do data-center transactions require specialist lawyers?
Data-center transactions can involve power, technology, infrastructure, development and customer-contract issues in addition to conventional real estate matters.
Conclusion
Japan has a sophisticated legal market supporting one of the world’s largest commercial real estate markets.
Foreign investors can choose from:
Major Japanese Firms
including:
- Anderson Mori & Tomotsune
- Mori Hamada
- Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu
- Nishimura & Asahi
- TMI Associates
Other Japanese Real Estate Practices
including:
- Atsumi & Sakai
- Ushijima & Partners
- City-Yuwa Partners
- Iwata Godo
- Kaynex Law Offices
- Oh-Ebashi LPC & Partners
International Firms
including:
- Morrison Foerster
- Greenberg Traurig
- Baker McKenzie
- Clifford Chance
- DLA Piper
- Morgan Lewis
- Withers
- White & Case
- Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
- Jones Day
But there is no universally best real estate law firm.
The appropriate legal team depends on:
transaction
asset class
investment structure
financing
cross-border requirements
and
the people who will actually execute the transaction.
Foreign investors also do not need to identify legal advisers entirely on their own.
Experienced:
- Asset managers
- Brokers
- Lenders
- Other investors
may be useful sources of introductions to lawyers active in the relevant part of the market.
The objective is not simply to hire the largest law firm.
It is to assemble a legal team that understands both:
Japanese commercial real estate
and
the investor’s specific transaction.
References
- Chambers Asia-Pacific — Real Estate, Japan
- The Legal 500 — Real Estate and Construction: Independent Local Firms in Japan
- The Legal 500 — Real Estate and Construction: International Firms and Joint Ventures in Japan
- Anderson Mori & Tomotsune
- Mori Hamada
- Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu
- Nishimura & Asahi
- TMI Associates
- Atsumi & Sakai
- Ushijima & Partners
- City-Yuwa Partners
- Iwata Godo
- Morrison Foerster
- Greenberg Traurig
- Baker McKenzie
- Clifford Chance
- DLA Piper
- Morgan Lewis
- Withers
- White & Case
Related Articles
- Major Real Estate Lenders and Banks in Japan
- Major Real Estate Investment and Asset Management Firms in Japan
- Major Commercial Real Estate Brokerage Firms in Japan
- Major Real Estate Developers in Japan
- Major General Contractors and Construction Companies in Japan
- Major J-REITs in Japan
- How to Choose a Commercial Real Estate Asset Manager in Japan
- Understanding Japanese Real Estate Investment Structures: GK-TK, TMK and Trust Beneficiary Interests
- Commercial Real Estate Lease Structures in Japan