Real Estate Investment/Real Estate Securitization

The foundation of our real estate practice group’s expertise and reputation for excellence derives from our instrumental role in first introducing real estate securitization and investment funds to Japan. We are proud of the contributions we have made to this field of law by taking legal concepts from abroad and adapting them to Japanese business practices and laws (some of which are unique to Japan) to establish structures that are now considered industry/market standards.

Our real estate lawyers regularly work on a wide variety of real estate finance transactions, including debt financing through non-recourse loans or bonds and equity financing through a wide range of investment structures, by domestic and/or foreign investors. Further, our lawyers regularly handle complex and highly sophisticated securitization projects, such as CMBS (commercial mortgage-backed securities) and RMBS (residential mortgage-backed securities). In addition to helping our clients structure and consummate their real estate transactions, we provide advice to clients on the potential risks and consequences of a bankruptcy filing by, or the insolvency of, a key participant in a real estate investment. In this regard, we have assisted clients in crafting the appropriate first response in the event of such financial distress situations, and thereafter, with any necessary restructuring of their overall investment structure. We also represent clients in all forms of dispute resolution proceedings (both formal and informal) in connection with real estate matters.

Recently the real estate investment to overseas, such as to U.S., Europe and various countries in Asia, is drawing the strong attention of the market, and it is increasingly becoming important to be able to provide unified services with a deep understanding of the local laws of various countries. We, having various offices outside Japan, are well prepared to provide timely and appropriate services by organizing teams of highly experienced lawyers with distinguished expertise, wide experience and different backgrounds.