International law firm Bird & Bird has added a second partner to its recently launched Tokyo office with the hire of Aya Saito from Boston Consulting Group, where she was legal lead for Northeast Asia.
With over 15 years of commercial experience, Saito has expertise in cross-border technology and outsourcing transactions, with a focus on system integration and business outsourcing projects, as well as data privacy, AI and other regulatory and compliance matters.
At Bird & Bird, Saito is expected to assist Japanese companies in sectors such as technology and communications, energy and utilities, retail and consumer, and life sciences and healthcare, with technology and outsourcing transactions, as well as day-to-day legal issues. Prior to joining BCG in early 2020, she spent nearly seven years at Accenture.
“We are delighted to welcome Aya to the firm. Her broad experience is complementary to our existing capabilities and will enhance the depth of service we can offer to our clients in Tokyo,” said Hiroyuki Iwamura, Tokyo managing partner of Bird & Bird, in a statement. “Her blend of experience and understanding of in-house needs will resonate with our clients who are looking for an international law firm in Japan who understands the Japanese companies’ complex commercial and legal needs.”
Added Fabian Niemann and Mark Leach, co-heads of the international tech transactions practice group at Bird & Bird: “Her unique skill set and broad experience, gained during her time spent in-house, greatly complements Hiro’s expertise and will bolster our already robust international capabilities, providing immense benefits to clients across the Bird & Bird network.”
Bird & Bird established its Tokyo office in December last year with the hire of Iwamura from Ashurst. The office aims to support Japanese clients with outbound cross-border work in Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, focusing on key industry sectors such as renewable energy, life sciences, technology and media.
Apart from the two partners, the office has two associates: Risako Hijikata and Sayaka Ibe.
