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 2025:
Corporate and M&A: Independent Local Firms
southgate
Leading partners: Gaiben – Eric Marcks (the only international lawyer at a Japanese law firm ranked in this category)
Recommended Individual: Takeshi Iitani
Other Key Lawyers: Gaku Yoneyama, Takahito Fujii, Akira Kawashiro
The guide observed that “The ‘small but mighty’ at southgate is known for ‘delivering exceptional work’ in its M&A and venture capital practice, approaching cross-border and other transactions with the perspective of an international firm.”
Clients noted:
“What I appreciate about Southgate is the firm’s extensive experience in working on cross-border projects and the diversity of their attorneys. The firm has a global network and demonstrates its experience and know-how. Eric Marcks in particular is excellent. What sets him apart is the commitment to client success, which goes beyond just legal expertise.”
“I had the pleasure of working with Southgate’s Takeshi Iitani, who has a wealth of experience in start-up investment contracts and is very committed to his work. He has a high level of professionalism!”
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/