Following the launch of the Firm’s UK Japan Connect initiative in June, London Partner, James Heller and Tokyo Partner, Dominic Sharman, tell IFLR how the firm aims to capitalise on stakeholder relationships and macroeconomic conditions to drive M&A opportunities through this new business forum.
As UK-Japan relations take on increasing global significance, Baker McKenzie is positioning itself at the heart of this evolving dynamic. With its new initiative, UK Japan Connect, the Firm is not only solidifying long-standing relationships with major Japanese corporations but also building a forward-looking platform for future growth in one of the world's most promising markets.
Discussing why the Firm is focusing on Japan at this time, James explained how a secondment to one of Japan’s largest trading houses laid the groundwork for his connection to the country and exposed him to the synergies between British and Japanese ways of doing business.
He explains: “There’s so much synergy with the Japanese business culture and the way that English people tend to think and approach situations. The concept behind this initiative is to help integrate Japanese and British business communities, trade associations, and relevant stakeholders. We want to assist UK businesses with operations in Japan and Japanese companies headquartered in the UK.”
As well as discussing the importance of UK Japan Connect to the business community and the opportunities for private equity in Japan, James and Dominic both emphasise that the initiative is providing valuable exposure to international legal work for the Firm’s associates, many of whom have a personal interest in Japan. “Our younger lawyers, especially those who have studied in the UK or the US, are really enthusiastic about being part of this initiative. It’s helping them develop business development skills and learn how to be true international lawyers,” comments Dominic.
Read the full article on the IFLR website (subscription required)
As UK-Japan relations take on increasing global significance, Baker McKenzie is positioning itself at the heart of this evolving dynamic. With its new initiative, UK Japan Connect, the Firm is not only solidifying long-standing relationships with major Japanese corporations but also building a forward-looking platform for future growth in one of the world's most promising markets.
Discussing why the Firm is focusing on Japan at this time, James explained how a secondment to one of Japan’s largest trading houses laid the groundwork for his connection to the country and exposed him to the synergies between British and Japanese ways of doing business.
He explains: “There’s so much synergy with the Japanese business culture and the way that English people tend to think and approach situations. The concept behind this initiative is to help integrate Japanese and British business communities, trade associations, and relevant stakeholders. We want to assist UK businesses with operations in Japan and Japanese companies headquartered in the UK.”
As well as discussing the importance of UK Japan Connect to the business community and the opportunities for private equity in Japan, James and Dominic both emphasise that the initiative is providing valuable exposure to international legal work for the Firm’s associates, many of whom have a personal interest in Japan. “Our younger lawyers, especially those who have studied in the UK or the US, are really enthusiastic about being part of this initiative. It’s helping them develop business development skills and learn how to be true international lawyers,” comments Dominic.
Read the full article on the IFLR website (subscription required)
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