International law firm Withers has bolstered its real estate practice in Asia with the addition of a two-lawyer team in Singapore from Shook Lin & Bok, led by partner Chau Hwei Lee (L), and the promotion of Akinari Nakano to partner in Tokyo.

Lee, who brings over 20 years of commercial real estate experience, specializes in hotel acquisitions and disposals, property joint ventures, and management agreements.

He joined Shook Lin in 2018 from a senior in-house role at CDL Hospitality Trusts, prior to which he was a partner at Dentons Rodyk and held associate roles at WongPartnership, Allen & Gledhill, and TSMP Law Corporation.

Joining him in the move to Withers is associate Cheryl Lee.

Their hires come some months after a team of lawyers from Withers KhattarWong, led by practice head Kenneth Szeto and John Tan, jumped to Shook Lin.

"There are few real estate lawyers in Singapore with Chau Hwei's depth of experience, and we're delighted he is joining the firm to support our clients with their real estate investment needs, and to welcome his clients to the firm,” said Jeremy Wakeham, CEO of Withers' business division, in a statement.

Meanwhile, Nakano focuses on real estate transactions, securitization, and financial regulation matters.

The expansion comes as Asian real estate markets continue to attract significant investor interest, particularly in key hubs like Singapore and Tokyo.