Simmons & Simmons has hired Aaron Patience as new head of its Tokyo office from New Zealand law firm Kensington Swan. Patience replaces Richard Kramer, who moved to Jones Day.
Patience, who headed the Japan practice at his previous firm, is no stranger to Simmons. He worked there as a solicitor between 2007 and 2013, and as a managing associate in Tokyo between 2014 and 2016.
Simmons has been in a joint venture with Japanese law firm TMI Associates since 2001. However, the departure of Kramer has led to a temporary suspension of the joint venture, according to TMI, “due to the ongoing registration procedure to change the Tokyo office representative for Simmons & Simmons.”
Patience, who is set to join Simmons’ Tokyo office soon, specialises in assisting Japanese businesses with international investments. He regularly acts on and manages cross-border mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures with a significant IP element, particularly in the TMT/ICT, life sciences, manufacturing and apparel sectors.
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