Morrison & Foerster (MoFo) has strengthened its M&A practice by hiring a new M&A and securities lawyer to its corporate practice.
James Robinson joins the firm from Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) where he had previously led its Tokyo M&A practice.
Ken Siegel, managing partner of MoFo’s Tokyo office said of the hire: “We are thrilled to add James Robinson to our Asia corporate team. In addition to his leading reputation as a deal lawyer, he is adept at navigating antirust issues for Japanese companies, including merger control, cartel and cooperation issues. James’ experience in the Tokyo market and robust expertise representing Japanese clients in Europe and Asia will be an invaluable asset to our clients.”
Robinson advises Japanese clients in sectors including financial services, life sciences and technology. In 1999 he joined HSF legacy firm and has been based in Tokyo for a decade.
HSF suffered a number of departures in Asia-Pacific this year, and Robinson is the latest in a line that includes the departures of Maurice Burke, Janet Young and Mark Johnson. The firm hit back by raiding Ashurst in Australia and Japan for partners Ian Williams, Damien Roberts and Liza Carver.