The rivalry heats up amongst Tokyo-based international firms at the night of nights for Japan’s legal fraternity – the ALB Japan Law Awards 2011.

As the usual suspects, Japan’s Big Four law firms – Anderson Mori & Tomotsune, Mori Hamada & Matsumoto, Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu and Nishimura & Asahi – vie for top spot in up to 18 categories this year, a separate competition has emerged amongst the Japan’s international law firms.

Front-runners Simpson Thacher & Bartlett as well as Sullivan & Cromwell Linklaters Tokyo, Davis Polk & Wardwell, Morrison & Forester, Linklaters Tokyo and Baker & McKenzie GJBJ registered multiple nominations and compete for some of the evening’s biggest awards – including the coveted International Deal Firm of the Year award.

The finalists for the much anticipated Japan Deal of the Year will be announced on the night.

Dominating the nominations for the Banking & Financial Services In-House Team of the Year are JP Mitsubishi UFJ, Shinsei Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui.

A full list of finalists can be found by clicking here. The awards gala will be held on 31 March 2011, Ritz Carlton Tokyo. It's not too late to reserve your tables - clickhere or email lucinda@keymedia.com.sg