International law firm Simmons & Simmons has expanded its Dispute Resolution practice in Asia with the hire of Partner Chris Studebaker. Subject to regulatory approvals, he will practice in the firm’s Tokyo office, and will lead the Japan disputes resolution initiative.
Chris joins the firm from IBM Japan where he held a General Counsel position. Qualified in New York and Washington, and fluent in both English and Japanese, he also brings nearly two decades of experience in private practice in New York and Tokyo, where he was a Partner, leading complex disputes for multinational corporations across the United States and Asia-Pacific.
Chris’s practice spans high-value cross-border disputes, regulatory compliance, and investigations, with significant experience in IT-related matters, including AI, cybersecurity and data privacy.
Joining Tokyo office Head and M&A lead Aaron Patience, Chris’s arrival will bolster the Tokyo office’s existing capabilities, extending support to Japanese and international clients on complex cross-border litigation and arbitration. His role will also include other contentious work such as investigations. Chris joining uniquely positions Simmons & Simmons as a bilingual platform across both transactional and contentious work.
Chris’s addition to the team complements Simmons & Simmons’ longstanding joint venture with Japanese law firm TMI & Associates, enabling both firms to offer seamless, full-service legal support covering Japanese and international law.
At a regional level, Chris will join the cross-border disputes team in Asia, which with the addition of the Tokyo office, will form a comprehensive Asia disputes team and enhance the firm’s presence in the region.
Chris’s expertise aligns closely with the firm’s sector strengths in Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT), Energy, Natural Resources, Infrastructure & Construction (ENRIC), and Asset Management & Investment Funds (AMIF).
Commenting on the hire, Aaron Patience, Partner and Tokyo office Head, said: “Chris has an impressive track record resolving cross-border disputes with a Japanese element. His arrival will add significant breadth to services we offer Japanese and international businesses as they manage risk in Japan and further afield. Chris’s linguistic and cultural capabilities, coupled with his astute dispute resolution skills, makes him an excellent addition to our Tokyo team.”
On joining Simmons & Simmons, Chris Studebaker said: “I am pleased to join Simmons & Simmons’ Tokyo office at a time of transformation in Japan’s disputes market. I look forward to working with the team to support both international and Japanese clients in navigating complex cross-border challenges.”
