Shearman and Sterling elects first Japanese partner

International law firm Shearman & Sterling has announced the election of Masahisa Ikeda as a partner in Tokyo, where he has been based since joining the firm as counsel in 1991. Ikeda becomes the first Japanese national to be elected to Shearman & Sterling's partnership.

Ikeda's practice covers general corporate matters, with a particular focus on capital markets transactions, representing issuers and underwriters in registered offerings and in private placements. He also has experience in joint ventures and mergers and acquisitions and frequently represents the Japanese government in connection with various corporate and dispute resolution matters.

"I am personally delighted that Masahisa Ikeda has become a partner," says David Deck, the firm's managing partner in Tokyo. "He helped make 2001 a good year for our Tokyo office, which not only doubled in size but also captured some impressive mandates. Even in the wake of the decade-long economic slump in Japan, both Masahisa and myself are confident that the office will continue to grow in 2002 and onwards."