04 Mar 2026
Simmons & Simmons strengthens Tokyo disputes practice with Partner hire Chris Studebaker
"Chris Studebaker joins Simmons & Simmons in Tokyo as a Partner in Dispute Resolution, focusing on cross-border disputes, investigations and IT‑related matters including AI, cybersecurity and data privacy."
Studebaker joins Simmons & Simmons from IBM Japan, where he served as General Counsel. He is qualified in New York and Washington and is fluent in both English and Japanese. He brings nearly two decades of private practice experience in New York and Tokyo, where he was a Partner leading complex disputes for multinational corporations across the United States and the Asia‑Pacific.
His practice spans high‑value cross‑border disputes, regulatory compliance and investigations, with significant experience in IT‑related matters including AI, cybersecurity and data privacy. At Simmons & Simmons he will undertake contentious work such as investigations and support Japanese and international clients on complex cross‑border litigation and arbitration.
Studebaker will join the firm’s cross‑border disputes team in Asia and his addition complements Simmons & Simmons’ longstanding joint venture with Japanese law firm TMI Associates. His expertise aligns with the firm’s sector strengths in Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT), Energy, Natural Resources, Infrastructure & Construction (ENRIC), and Asset Management & Investment Funds (AMIF).