Ashurst strengthens its dispute resolution practice with partner hire in Tokyo

Alexander has over 15 years' experience specialising in white-collar defence, internal investigations, sanctions and export controls and dispute resolution. He has substantial experience advising on compliance with sanctions and export controls, anti-bribery and corruption, anti-money laundering, human rights and forced labour and other laws and regulations, establishing compliance policies and procedures, conducting due diligence and compliance clearance on various projects and investments, and conducting internal and regulatory investigations related to potential violations (for example of the US sanctions or the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act). Alexander also advises financial institutions and other companies on compliance and risk mitigation measures related to US-China regulatory tensions and potential conflict of laws. Alexander is qualified to practise in New York, England and Wales and Russian Federation, and he speaks English, French, Japanese, Russian and Ukrainian.

Alexander's appointment is the latest in a number of significant new hires specialising in corporate crime and compliance. He joins other partner hires including Ruby Hamid in London and Olivier Dorgans in Paris. These recent hires, together with the recruitment in London of Ross Denton (Senior Consultant) and Neil Donovan (Senior Associate), reflect the growing focus of clients on ESG and compliance issues.

"Economic sanctions, and to some extent export controls, are such an important aspect of geo-political trading relationships," Asia Pacific head of dispute resolution Jeremy Chenoweth commented. "There are a number of businesses in Asia who have recently been involved in large scale compliance related prosecutions. Our clients are paying increasing attention to the importance of compliance both to manage risk and as part of an increased focus on ESG issues. Alexander is a great fit and helps us to strengthen our dispute resolution practice with a particular focus on investigations, prosecutions and international sanctions."

Alexander said, "Ashurst offers a perfectly symbiotic platform for me to assist clients on a range of cross-jurisdictional compliance issues. It is a highly reputable global firm with leading practices in Japan, Asia-Pacific and globally, and it encourages an entrepreneurial approach to developing its business. I look forward to contributing to the firm's expertise in this area and working with the team to address increasing client demands in the compliance area.  It is also an important factor to me that Ashurst has strongly committed to diversity, social mobility and social responsibility."

Alexander will be joining Ashurst in the New Year.