southgate was ranked as one of the top firms and Eric Marcks and Takahito Fujii have been ranked among top lawyers in the following categories for the Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2026:
Corporate and M&A: Independent Local Firms
southgate
Leading partners: Gaiben – Eric Marcks
Other Key Lawyers: Takeshi Iitani, A. Reid Monroe-Sheridan, Akira Kawashiro
The guide observed that “southgate is particularly well-regarded for its M&A and venture capital work, with a client base spanning the technology, IT, industrial, automotive, and fashion industries.”
Clients noted:
“Team members’ knowledge and problem-solving skills are excellent, and quick to respond.”
“Eric Marcks is an excellent lawyer. Trustworthy. Provides clear, sensible advice. Broad thinking.”
TMT: Independent Local Firms
southgate
Leading partners: Gaiben – Eric Marcks (the only international lawyer at a Japanese law firm ranked in this category)
Rising Stars: Bengoshi – Takahito Fujii
For details please see the Legal 500 Asia Pacific website below.
https://www.legal500.com/c/japan/corporate-and-ma-independent-local-firms/
https://www.legal500.com/c/japan/tmt-independent-local-firms/