Top Japanese law firm Nishimura & Asahi has hired a White & Case energy and project finance partner in Tokyo as the firm aims to expand its energy practice. 

Alexander Woody, who joins Nishimura's Tokyo office this week, is a registered foreign lawyer admitted in Hawaii and Texas, and has more than 20 years of experience advising on global energy and natural resources projects. He spent 22 years with White & Case, and before that practiced at Cades, Schutte, Fleming & Wright in Hawaii and Konaka, Toyama & Hosoya in Tokyo.

His practice covers project finance and mergers and acquisitions related to international energy investments ranging from LNG projects, upstream oil and gas to conventional power and clean energy. He also works closely with international arbitration specialists to help clients resolve disputes in those areas.

"Alex is a well-known figure in the energy sector in Japan and we have many clients in common," Timothy Jeffares, Nishimura's global development director, told Law.com International. "His practice fits well with ours and is going to help us further expand our activity to more outbound and international work, supporting our clients in a sector that is seeing rapid change."

Law.com International reported in May that Nishimura planned to expand its energy practice. The Japanese law firm said Woody will be part of its energy team, focusing in particular on his area of expertise—oil and gas.

Woody is the first partner to join the firm's Tokyo office this year. 

"We wish him every success in the future," a White & Case spokesperson said.