Withers boosts Asia real estate team with new partner Chau Hwei Lee, promotes Akinari Nakano

International law firm Withers has grown its real estate team across Asia by welcoming partner Chau Hwei Lee to its Singapore office and promoting Akinari Nakano to partner in Tokyo. Chau Hwei joins the firm from Shook Lin & Bok, alongside associate Cheryl Lee.

Chau Hwei Lee - Singapore

Chau Hwei has worked in commercial real estate for over 20 years, with experience in both private practice and in-house roles, including at CDL Hospitality Trusts. He specialises in a broad range of commercial real estate work, advising on acquisitions and disposals of hotels, commercial and industrial buildings, hotel management agreements, property joint ventures, built-to-suit developments and property management arrangements. 

His clients include property owners and landlords, real estate investment trust managers and trustees, business trusts, property funds, multinational corporations, property developers and investors, statutory boards, banks and financial institutions.

Akinari Nakano - Tokyo

Akinari was previously counsel in the real estate team, advising Japanese and international clients, including investors and financial institutions, on a broad range of transactions and matters. His expertise encompasses real estate acquisition and financing, real estate securitization, onshore/offshore joint ventures, asset management, and financial regulation matters.

Strengthening our real estate expertise across Asia

Jeremy Wakeham, CEO of Withers' Business division, comments: "There are few real estate lawyers in Singapore with Chau Hwei's depth of experience, and we're delighted he is joining the firm to support our clients with their real estate investment needs, and to welcome his clients to the firm. With the well-deserved promotion of Akinari too, our Asia real estate practice gains increased firepower and the capabilities to meet client demand across the region."

Chau Hwei adds: "Withers has a great platform in Singapore and around the world to service the needs of property investors, developers, occupiers and those looking to deploy private capital in the real estate sector. I appreciate the opportunity to continue to work with a broad range of clients and on all types of real estate, whilst also working with colleagues who are experts in their field."

Commenting on his promotion, Akinari says: "The Japanese real estate market is at a pivotal juncture with continued interest from investors across the region, and I am excited to leverage my experience to help our clients navigate current trends and achieve their goals. Withers' dedication to innovation and client service provides an ideal environment for addressing the complex challenges and opportunities in the vibrant real estate sector." 

Withers' international commercial real estate practice

Withers' international commercial real estate lawyers are trusted advisors to some of the most prominent real estate investors in the world, including individuals, family offices, and institutions. The team has a depth of experience in advising on development, acquisition, disposal, letting and real estate financing matters across all types of asset classes including offices, hotels, retail, leisure, retirement living, education, logistics, strategic land, mixed use and data centres.

Our knowledge of worldwide real estate markets and our intimate understanding of international tax laws single us out in the market and allow us to manage large scale international projects with ease.