Withers has brought on board two corporate lawyers in Tokyo: Kazumitsu Goto (pictured) joins as a partner from Japanese Big Five firm TMI Associates, while associate Ryokei Abe moves from King & Wood Mallesons.  

Goto advises Japanese and international clients, including private equity firms, on cross-border public and private M&A, capital markets transactions, and financial regulation. He recently advised Japanese companies and venture capital funds in their investments and acquisitions of start-ups in Japan and overseas. He also serves as external counsel for startups, advising on compliance and fundraising.

He marks Withers’ third Asia lateral partner hire this year, following the additions of aviation specialist Paul Jebely and hotels and hospitality expert Koh Tien Gui as in Hong Kong and Singapore, respectively. The firm also witnessed the departures of Hong Kong-based family law partners Sharon Ser and Rita Ku to the newly established boutique Rita Ku & Ser. 

Goto worked at TMI for about nine years, becoming a partner in 2016. Prior to that, he was with Morgan, Lewis & Bockius for about two years.

With this addition, the number of Withers partners in Tokyo has risen to eight.