Emi is a partner and head of the firm’s Japan Practice, with over 20 years of experience specializing in international arbitration. She advises and represents clients throughout Asia in complex commercial litigation and arbitration proceedings. Her expertise spans a wide range of industries, including financial institutions, energy corporations, and global manufacturers. Emi has successfully represented clients in arbitrations governed by the ICC, LCIA, SIAC, and TAI rules.
Her practice encompasses various dispute matters, including commercial contracts, shareholder and joint venture disputes, employment issues, investigations related to corruption and fraud, corporate governance, and competition law. Emi’s deep understanding of these areas makes her a trusted advisor in navigating complex legal challenges.
Recognized as one of Thailand’s Top 100 Lawyers, Emi brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her clients. As half Japanese, she is fluent in both reading and writing Japanese, enhancing her ability to effectively serve clients with cross-border needs.
Languages
Education
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- LL.B., Bristol University, UK
- PCLL, Hong Kong University, HK
- M. Couns., Monash University, Australia
Professional Qualifications
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- Arbitrator, the THAC panel of arbitrators
- Member of Panels of Arbitrators, Mediators, and APEC Neutrals, eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre, 2024
- SIMI Accredited Mediators Level 1, 2024 of Singapore International Mediation Institute (SIMI)
- Member of HKIAC’s List of Arbitrators, 2023
- Member of Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (MCIArb), 2022
- Accredited Civil/Commerical Mediator (ADR ODR International), 2022
- High Court of Hong Kong, 2001
Seminars/Speaking Engagements
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- Speaker at an event entitled, “Championing Pro Bono Roundtable” in collaboration with TrustLaw, the Thomson Reuters Foundation, PILnet (November 2024)
- Moderator for a panel discussion at a joint event with WongPartnership entitiles, “Trends in Commercial Disputes in Asia.” (November 2024)
- Speaker for a panel discussion entitled, “Sailing Through Challenges: Common Cross-Border Issues and Best Dispute Resolution Strategy in APAC” at AIJA Asia Pacific Regional Meeting (September 2024)
- Moderator for a panel discussion entitiles, “Session 4: Myth or Reality? The Parties’ Autonomy” at the THAC ADR Week 2024 (September 2024)
- Speaker for a panel discussion entitled, “Session 3: What does it take to be a Premier Seat of Arbitration?” at the AIAC International Arbitration Congress 2024 (August 2024)
- Speaker for a panel discussion entitled, “Working in an Adversarial Environment” at ICCA 2024 Hong Kong (May 2024)
- Speaker for a panel discussion entitled, “Minority Report: Corporate Governance, Directors, and the State of Shareholder Navigation Playbook” at IPBA Annual Meeting and Conference (April 2024)
- Speaker on the topic “Whistleblowing in Thailand and Hong Kong – tips on setting up and operation” at the DQ Symposium in Tokyo (September 2023)
- Speaker on the topic “The Hottest Seat in International Arbitration Debate” by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Thailand Branch (CIArb) and the Thailand Arbitration Center (THAC) (August 2023)
- Speaker for a panel discussion entitled, “AML, FCPA, Anti-bribery, whistleblowing- Protecting your Company” at Legal Plus’ 4th Annual International Arbitration and Corporate Crime Summit in Thailand (June 2023)
- Speaker for a panel discussion at a joint event with Japan Institute of Overseas Investment (JOI) and Atsumi & Sakai, ES Networks Co., Ltd entitiles, “Contract Practices and PMI Leading to Successful Cross-border M&A in South East Asia (with Dispute Resolution in mind)” (April 2023)
- Panelist at THAC Academy Launch Event (December 2022)
- Moderator for a panel discussion at a joint event with the Thailand Arbitration Centre and MDD entitled, “Successful Startups – How to avoid common pitfalls and manage disputes in Thailand” (November 2022)
- Opening remarks at a CIArb event entitled, “Interview with SIAC Registrar Kevin Nash on Thai-related International Arbitration at SIAC: Trends and Practical Insights” (October 2022)
Publications
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- Co-author of the article “To Invest or Not to Invest in Thailand? Top 3 Tips on How to Avoid Legal Problems When Investing in Thailand” (Lexology, May 2023)
- “Cannabis use by employees in Thailand – what is allowed and what isn’t allowed?” (Lexology, October 2022)
- “International Arbitration and the Circle of Control – a look at the psychological benefits of arbitration and the status of arbitration in Thailand” (Lexology, September 2022)
- “New TAI Rules 2017 – welcome changes for the Thai arbitration institute” ( Lexology: Law Business Research, 2017)
- Thailand Chapter in the Arbitration Guide, IBA Arbitration Committee (2017)
- Thailand: Preparing Valid Warning Letters
- “New Thai Competition Law – is it a game changer?” (Lexology: Law Business Research, 2017)
Recent Awards and Rankings
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- Future Star Practitioner by Benchmark Litigation, 2024
- Thailand’s Top 100 lawyers in Asia Business Law Journal, 2022– 2024
A selection of matters in which Emi has been involved include:
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- Representeing Tri Petch Isuzu Sales Co., Ltd. in a significant expansion of its used car business. This expansion was achieved through a strategic acquisition and investment, which involved acquiring shares from shareholders of one of Thailand’s leading distributors of high-quality used cars, and the subscription of newly issued shares.The total investment, amounting to approximately THB 159 million, has resulted in Tri Petch Isuzu Sales Co., Ltd.’s investment arm, i.e. TPG X Co., Ltd., holding approximately 85% of the shares in the target company and its two subsidiaries.
- advising a large Japanese retailing company on customs issues in Thailand
- advising an Israeli company regarding land ownership dispute in Phuket
- advising a large telecommunications company in Thailand regarding termination of a senior employee
- acting for a leading Japanese trading house in contentious employment litigation in Thailand*
- representing a leading Japanese company in TAI proceedings relating to an incident in Thailand *
- representing a Malaysian financial institution in relation to former employees setting up competing businesses and commencing employment litigation in Thailand *
- advising a Japanese automotive company in relation to employment and competition law in Thailand *
- representing a major Japanese trading house in an LCIA arbitration relating to a dispute over a natural resources project *
- representing a major Chinese energy company in a SIAC arbitration concerning a multi-million dollar JV dispute*
- acting for a high net worth individual in Hong Kong in an ICC arbitration over a family shareholder dispute*
- representing a leading financial institution in a Hong Kong High Court litigation involving misappropriation of funds by a former employee*
- acting for a major television station in Hong Kong concerning a shareholder dispute*
- advising a major international hotel chain in reviewing agreements, contracts and other legal documents*
- advising an American bank in relation to any potential regulatory issues concerning the recruitment of certain high profile individuals in Japan*
- advising an American multinational energy corporation concerning their contracts and various potential disputes*
*Denotes experience at a previous firm
