International law firm Withers has launched an arbitration and litigation practice in Tokyo, adding partner Hiroko Nihei and expanding the firm’s dispute capabilities in Japan. Nihei joins Withers from Hillford Law, which she co-founded after O’Melveny & Myers closed its Tokyo practice.
Nihei focuses on complex cross-border litigation, international arbitration, and contentious intellectual property matters. Her experience includes Japanese, U.S., and international proceedings, with particular expertise in international commercial arbitration conducted under International Chamber of Commerce and Japan Commercial Arbitration Association rules.
Her practice also covers arbitration-related court proceedings in Japan and intellectual property disputes spanning multiple jurisdictions.
Nihei has represented major Japanese, U.S., and Asian corporations, including clients in technology, financial services, and multinational industrial sectors. Withers said she has particular experience handling matters involving technology, media, and internet-related issues.
The addition establishes a foundation for Withers to build a broader disputes team in Tokyo. The firm’s Dispute Resolution division views Japan as an important area for expansion, with Nihei expected to lead development of the new litigation and arbitration practice.
The expansion also provides Nihei’s clients with access to Withers’ broader international network across Asia, the United States, and Europe. The firm plans to use the Tokyo practice to support clients facing disputes that increasingly cross jurisdictions and require coordination among legal teams in multiple markets.
KEY QUOTES:
“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.”
Peter Wood, CEO of Withers’ Dispute Resolution Division
“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.”
Hiroko Nihei, Partner at Withers
