Biglaw firms have been reducing their footprint in China recently, but the trend is expanding to other Asian locales as well. In a significant move, O'Melveny & Myers has announced the closure of its Tokyo office, signaling the end of its nearly 40-year presence in Japan.

According to a spokesperson from O’Melveny, the decision came after a strategic review of the firm's operations in Japan. "Following a strategic review of our Japan operations, we’ve determined that we will wind down our office in Tokyo over the coming months. Going forward, we will continue to support our clients in the region from our network of offices across Asia and internationally," the spokesperson stated.

Yoji Maeda, the managing partner who has been at the helm of the Tokyo office for over two decades, will retire as part of the office's closure. The firm expressed gratitude towards Maeda, noting, “We are grateful for Yoji’s friendship and leadership and wish him all the best in his next chapter.”

The closure of O’Melveny’s Tokyo office raises questions about whether this is an isolated case or the beginning of a broader regional strategy shift by Biglaw firms across Asia. This move could potentially signal the start of more closures as firms reassess their positions and operations amidst changing global market dynamics.

As the legal industry watches these developments, speculation grows about which Biglaw firm will next reduce its Asian operations. Industry insiders and observers can share insights or get more information by contacting legal news platforms directly.

This strategic closure marks a significant shift in O'Melveny & Myers' approach to its Asian market presence, emphasizing a pivot towards leveraging their broader network to continue serving clients in the region effectively. As this trend unfolds, it will be interesting to see how other major law firms adjust their strategies in Asia in response to evolving business and economic landscapes.