by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Not satisfied with the over a dozen stateside offices already up and running, including one downtown, Foley & Lardner law firm is ready to make a jump clear across the world. The firm recently announced plans to open a branch office in the heart of Tokyo.
It will be the firm’s 17th office.
“While other law firms are closing their doors in Japan and other parts of Asia, we are finding opportunities to grow in that market,” said Ralf R. Böer, chairman and CEO of Foley & Lardner. “The tremendous growth in our Japanese practice over the past several years contributed to the need for a Tokyo office.”
Though still awaiting Japanese approval for the project, the firm hopes to have the office open by the end of the month with a strong, global focus on the International Business/Intellectual Property initiative. Domestically, Foley & Lardner has represented numerous Japanese corporations for over 25 years in the intellectual property and corporate legal arenas.
Marc K. Weinstein of the firm’s Washington, D.C. branch will be the first attorney to staff the office and approximately 12 other Foley & Lardner associates from the United States are expected to establish a “base of support during their frequent visits to Japan.” Currently, no one from the Jacksonville office is slated for transfer, but local representatives say the expansion “only further proves Foley & Lardner’s continued commitment to the global economy.”
“Our international practice has thrived in Europe for some time,” said Jacksonville partner Emerson Lotzia. “It’s very exciting to see the firm expand even further into the Asian market, and I know that it is something the other partners feel very strongly about.”
Lotzia, who specializes in business law, speculated a South American office may be yet another international venture for the firm that isn’t too far ahead in the future.
“We could have a presence down there as early as 18 months,” he said.
“The new office will allow us to be more responsive to our Japanese clients by having our attorneys permanently on the ground in Tokyo,” said Foley & Lardner partner Richard L. Schwaab. “The ability to interact, in person, with clients regarding complex legal and factual questions arising in fast-paced litigation and transactional matters will be highly beneficial.”