Based on the recent developments in Japan this session will analyse practical experiences, clients’ needs and best practice for law firms in Asia to expand internationally. The panellists will discuss the different forms of international expansion, which is opening foreign offices, joining a regional or international network or seek a merger with a foreign firm. With the panel composed of private practitioners from Australia, China, England, Germany, India and Japan and with the participation of the general manager of the legal department of a large business enterprise based in Japan the attendants will have a solid basis for developing the strategy for their own firms regarding the internationalisation of their practices.

The panellists will also address the impact of the internationalisation of Asian firms in the host countries both from the perspective of the expanding firm and from the point of view of the local legal community. Should the foreign offices practice local law or should they rather be organised as representative offices? In this context financial planning and expectations of the partners of the expanding firm regarding the results of such projects will also be discussed.