Nishimura & Asahi Wins Most Innovative Law Firm in People Strategy at the FT Innovative Lawyers Asia-Pacific Awards 2025

Nishimura & Asahi is pleased to announce that we were named the Most Innovative Law Firm in People Strategy by the Financial Times and its research partner RSGI Limited, at the FT Innovative Lawyers Asia-Pacific Awards 2025, held on May 15, 2025 in Hong Kong.

We also received Standout recognition in the People Strategy category based on how “The firm has overhauled the way in which its lawyers and other staff work to improve the management of its people across the whole business.” as noted in the FT Special Report. In addition, we received Commended recognition in the same category for the firm’s professional assistance department in adopting a legal matter-based assignment structure to replace its lawyer-secretary system.

FT Special Report: Business of law: case studies

The FT Innovative Lawyers Awards are among the legal profession’s most highly regarded, recognizing the most innovative, creative and strategic work from law firms, corporations and individuals across the region.

For the People Strategy category, law firms completed a questionnaire about diversity, equity & inclusion, wellbeing strategies, and investment in skills for lawyers and for business services people. Our innovative reform of the traditional relationship between lawyers and other staff in Japan’s legal industry has been highly recognized. This initiative was led by Executive Committee Partner, Hiroshi Niinomi and is featured in the article below.

FT Special Report: Intrapreneurs: behind-the-scenes changemakers (Hiroshi Niinomi)

We have been the highest ranked Japanese law firm in the FT Law Firm Index - Asia-Pacific for the seventh year running.

Nishimura Asahi’s Managing Partner Ryutaro Nakayama was quoted in the article below.

FT Special Report: Opportunities arise amid the geopolitical turbulence (Ryutaro Nakayama)