The 2026 Chambers Asia-Pacific guide ranked southgate as one of the top firms in Japan in its Corporate/M&A (Domestic) category, marking the ninth year in a row we have received this honor. The guide also ranked Eric Marcks for the eighth year in a row among top international lawyers in Japan in the category of Corporate/M&A (International) and Akira Kawashiro for the second year in a row as an Up and Coming lawyer in Japan in the category of Corporate/M&A (Domestic).
Clients observed that:
- “They always provide additional value, not only by performing the tasks we ask of them perfectly, but also by proactively pointing out potential risks that we are not aware of.”
- “Their extensive experience in M&A and capital markets laws and regulations, as well as the accuracy of their advice and the speed of their responses, are their major strengths.”
- “It is a firm that has a quality comparable to that of major law firms and is highly trusted by clients.”
Clients also noted that Eric is “the best lawyer I have worked with,” while Akira Kawashiro is “regarded as a very competent and high-performing lawyer.”
Details are available at the Chambers Asia-Pacific website:
Corporate/M&A: Domestic, Japan, Asia-Pacific | Chambers Rankings
Corporate/M&A: International, Japan, Asia-Pacific | Chambers Rankings