DLA Piper expands Tokyo office with two senior appointments

DLA Piper has announced two senior appointments in its Tokyo office. Lawrence Carter has rejoined the firm as Co-Head of the Japan Employment practice, while Ed Sheremeta has recently relocated from Hong Kong to take on the role of Co-Head of Real Estate for Japan.

Lawrence was previously responsible for leading the Japan employment practice before leaving the firm in 2022 to relocate back to the US. Widely recognised as a top-tier employment lawyer in Japan, he has an impressive track record and brings a wealth of experience in both contentious and non-contentious labour and employment law in Japan. Having spent over 15 years of his career in Japan, he handles complex multijurisdictional issues such as reductions in force, terminations, and harassment investigations. Lawrence takes on the role alongside Employment partner Keiji Nasuda. 

Before moving to Tokyo, Ed Sheremeta was responsible for heading up the Real Estate practice in Hong Kong. He takes on his new role alongside Real Estate partner Mitsuharu Kataoka. With extensive experience across Tokyo, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, Ed has a deep knowledge of Asia's real estate market. Ed will continue to advise clients on a broad range of real estate investment and finance matters, including acquisitions and dispositions, private equity and institutional investments, limited recourse, secured financings, joint ventures, REITs, and much more.

The firm is focused on bolstering its real estate capabilities in the region - Ed's move follows the appointment of partner Ciarán Londra in Singapore at the end of last year, while Susheela Rivers now leads the firm's Real Estate practice from Hong Kong.

Masahiko Ishida, who was appointed as sole Country Managing Partner for Japan in January commented, “I am thrilled to welcome Ed and Lawrence to our Tokyo office. Their appointments reflect the growing demand for our services from clients, both in Japan and across Asia. They are both highly experienced lawyers and will be instrumental in enhancing our capabilities and client offering." 

Satpal Gobindpuri, Regional Managing Partner for Asia added, “These are key strategic hires which demonstrate our commitment to further strengthening our presence in Japan. I look forward to the continued growth of DLA Piper in Tokyo.”