Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan has hired Japanese litigator Hisaya Kimura from Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu to bolster its global disputes coverage.

Kimura joins in Tokyo as a partner. His practice focuses on international disputes, including foreign litigation, international arbitration, mediation and negotiations on behalf of Japanese companies. That work spans matters including business alliance conflicts, finance and securities, competition, environmental issues, IT, labour, product liability and intellectual property.

Ryan Goldstein, managing partner of Quinn Emanuel’s Tokyo office, said: “We are delighted that Kimura-sensei is joining Quinn Emanuel; his extensive experience in complex business litigation will enhance our ability to serve clients both in Japan and internationally. We are confident that his expertise will be a tremendous asset to our team.”

Kimura has been at Nagashima Ohno for much of his career, joining as an associate and working his way up to partner. He has served five terms on its management committee. Prior to that, he worked in the US, including for New York firm Milbank Tweed Hadley & McCloy, as it was then known. He started his legal career under the mentorship of former Chief Justice of the Japan Supreme Court Ekizo Fujibayashi, the only lawyer to serve in that role.

John Quinn, chairman and founding partner of Quinn Emanuel, said: “Kimura-sensei’s distinguished career and impressive track record make him a valuable addition to the firm. We look forward to leveraging his skills and experience to enhance Quinn Emanuel’s service to our clients.”

The firm deepened its Asia footprint with the opening of a Singapore office earlier this month, which is being led by international arbitration partner Duncan Watson KC, who relocated from its Hong Kong office. It also expanded in the UAE last September with offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi following the arrival of partner duo Joanne Strain and Parnika Chaturvedi from King & Wood Mallesons. Including the Tokyo base where Kimura will be located, Quinn Emanuel now has 10 offices in the broader region including the Middle East and Australia.

Kimura said: “I am honoured to have had the opportunity to work with some of the most esteemed legal professionals both in Japan and in the United States. These experiences have provided me with a unique expertise in handling complex international disputes. I am proud to continue my journey with Quinn Emanuel and continue to represent and support our clients in some of the most significant litigations in the world.”