Miura & Partners Makes Strategic Move in Greater China

Miura & Partners is making waves in the legal industry with its ambitious global expansion plans, as it unveils the opening of its first office in Greater China, strategically located in Hong Kong. Set to launch this summer, the firm is poised to delve into lucrative investment opportunities not just between Japan and Hong Kong, but also across mainland China and Taiwan.

Hong Kong Chosen as Strategic Location

In an exclusive interview with Asia Business Law Journal, Ryota Miura, the founding partner of Miura & Partners, shed light on the strategic decision to choose Hong Kong over other major cities like Beijing and Shanghai for its inaugural Greater China office. According to Miura, Hong Kong stands out as a pivotal business hub in Asia, serving as a major conduit for investments flowing both into and out of the Greater China region and Japan.

Specialized Legal Services Offered

Miura stated, 'The Hong Kong office will specialize in various legal services, including the structuring and implementation of investment funds for offshore operations, as well as handling cross-border transactions and dispute resolution for inbound and outbound activities between Japan and Greater China.'

Direct Office Over Local Partnerships

One of the standout features of this new branch is the firm’s decision to establish a direct office rather than align with a local law firm. This strategic choice was bolstered by the addition of partner Junko Shiokawa, who brings extensive expertise in the Hong Kong legal landscape. Miura emphasized the value Shiokawa adds, saying, 'Her vast experience in Hong Kong, especially in investment funds, cross-border transactions, and dispute resolution, allows us to provide exceptional legal support for both inbound and outbound cases.'

Innovative Leadership with Junko Shiokawa

Shiokawa, a Hong Kong-registered foreign lawyer with licenses to practice in Japan and New York, joins Miura & Partners after a notable tenure as a consultant at Conyers Dill & Pearman in Hong Kong. Her impressive background also includes partnerships at Harney Westwood & Riegels in Hong Kong and Withers in both Hong Kong and London, making her an invaluable asset for the firm.

Collaboration with Norika Yuasa

Taking the helm of the Hong Kong office, Shiokawa will collaborate closely with partner Norika Yuasa, an essential member of Miura & Partners’ Chinese practice, ensuring that the firm is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the region’s legal landscape.

Reactions to No Immediate Local Hiring Plans

However, Miura revealed that the firm has no immediate plans to recruit local lawyers in Hong Kong, which could raise eyebrows in the legal community. Will this decision pay off as the firm aims to establish a strong presence in the highly competitive Greater China market?

Looking Forward to a New Era of Investments

As Miura & Partners embarks on this exciting new chapter, all eyes are on their Hong Kong office to see how it will reshape the legal framework for international investments in the region. Stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking venture!