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Paul Hastings Tokyo names partners

Real estate group receives significant push with four new partners in the last two months.

Paul Hastings' Tokyo practice has elevated William Yoo and Alexander Jampel to the partnership, bolstering the on-the-ground capabilities of its real estate group. Following their ascension the international law firm now boasts 12 Tokyo-based partners and a stronger platform to meet real estate-related demand from clients.

Over his career Yoo has built a practice in both Japan and South Korea where he has advised investment banks, financial institutions and private equity firms on real estate acquisitions and financing. Specifically, he brings experience in advising clients on creating joint venture platforms for distressed real estate assets and non-performing loans to the partnership.

Yoo first joined Paul Hastings in 2003 and has also held the title of associate in the New York offices of Sullivan & Cromwell.

Jampel rises to the partnership with a broad range of experience in the real estate sector. Within this business area, his practice has included acquisitions, dispositions, financing and joint ventures. He also represents investors in the acquisition of commercial real estate portfolios, developers of commercial real estate projects and lenders providing financing commercial real estate and loan portfolios.

According to Paul Hastings, the elevation of Woo and Jampel will meet the rising demand from clients for non-recourse lending, securitisation and real estate investment trust (REIT) advisory.

Thus far, the firm has been involved in related transactions including the first rated securitisation of Japanese mortgage-backed securities (MBS) and non-recourse real estate loans completed in Japan. Additionally, it has also been involved in some of the first NPL bulk auctions, acquisitions and financings completed in both Japan and other Asia-Pacific markets.

The promotions follow other recent moves by Paul Hastings in its Tokyo real estate group. In September, the firm added two bengoshi (fully licensed Japanese lawyers) real estate partners.

To the partnership, Ayako Kawano brings experience in representing purchasers and financial institutions in asset acquisition, business revitalization and reorganization projects. While Jun Usami's rise to the partnership follows several years of real estate investments and asset securitisation.