James is a corporate partner in London.
Practice
Corporate
About
James has worked in both our London and Tokyo offices, helping his clients conduct successful public and private M&A transactions around the world.
This experience of working in different cultures has given James a good understanding of the importance of clear communication with all members of a client team – especially where they are in several countries. It has also enabled him to advise clients on the most appropriate approach in negotiations with counterparties from multiple jurisdictions.
In particular, having originally practised as a lawyer in Australia, James has retained an interest in that country and leads our Australia group. He is used to working with local lawyers in different countries to identify and assess critical legal issues and draws on his extensive international experience to resolve such issues to his clients’ best advantage.
Having worked on the firm’s transaction management initiatives, he has a keen eye for the efficient management of deals. He works closely with the Freshfields team – and his clients’ other legal advisers – to achieve successful completion of transactions on timetable and within the budget agreed with the client.
James is also our country partner for Australia.
‘James Wood offers clients a combination of “cutting-edge technical knowledge and deal-oriented pragmatism”.’
Chambers Asia and Global 2009/10
‘Clients enjoy working with him: “James... is able to bring in unique perspectives and is very good on negotiations”.’
IFLR 1000 2011
Recent deals/Highlights
- Morgan Stanley on the formation of a joint venture with Morgan Stanley Japan Securities Co, Ltd and Mitsubishi UFJ Securities Co, Ltd (M&A Deal of the Year, ALB Japan Law Awards, 2011)
- Lenovo Group on the establishment of a joint venture with NEC Corporation to own and operate their respective personal computer businesses in Japan
- D&M Holdings, on its auction sale and the resulting tender offer by a company controlled by Bain Capital
