As global markets grow increasingly interconnected, knowledge on distinctive national economies and their respective regulations has become indispensable for companies operating across several regions.
For many Japanese companies in the United States, Saito Sorenson LLP has provided that essential expertise — helping clients navigate through regulatory and other legal risks involved in operating a global business that falls within the reach of the U.S. legal system.
Specializing in complex commercial litigation and white-collar regulatory practice, the New York-based firm boasts a client roster made up of major financial, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, accounting and media companies, as well as sovereign nations.
Aside from large organizations the partnership also represents individual senior executives of major businesses on white-collar matters, with 50 percent of the business generated by Japanese clients.
“Our clients keep changing, but our matters always deal with major and sophisticated issues. We compete with the largest law firms in the world, but we are often called on by them to work on special engagements as well,” said Partner Yasuhiro Saito.
While the firm’s business continues to grow, Saito is keeping the firm’s focus on complex litigation and white-collar defense matters.
“One troubling trend that has emerged in the last few years is the willingness of U.S. prosecutors to go after major Japanese businesses and their executives. Japanese companies have to be especially wary because they can easily be blind sided. You don’t typically hear about these investigations for years until the government makes an announcement,” Saito explained.
Despite the increasingly complex regulatory and legal landscape, Saito highlights the importance for Japanese investors to stay committed to the United States as part of their global strategy.
“We can say that we are now at challenging economic times globally. We can always talk about specific opportunities elsewhere, but the U.S. economy ultimately is about safety. The U.S. market will be strong relative to others no matter what happens,” Saito stressed.
- Originally prepared by Global Media for The Japan Times Special Report on the East Coast 2014 (Credit: Elizabeth Arcega)
