Orrick has named James Atkin as global co-head of its oil and gas practice based in Tokyo, the company said on April 16.

James joins Orrick from Vinson & Elkins, where he was managing partner of the Tokyo office.

“James shares our global outlook and our commitment to delivering the highest quality advice. We are delighted by the opportunity to collaborate with him and grow the Asian connection to our existing platform,” Peter Roberts, global co-head of the oil and gas practice from London, said.

Widely recognized as a leading energy lawyer in Tokyo and Band 1-ranked by Chambers Global, Atkin focuses his practice on helping Japanese companies with outbound energy investments.

He advises clients in the oil and gas sector on transactions in Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Africa and North America, and has extensive experience advising on large-scale oil and gas projects, LNG sales arrangements, and energy-related mergers and acquisitions.

His clients include Japanese trading houses, gas and electric utility companies, exploration and production companies, and engineering companies. Atkin is also U.K. qualified.