As the New Year begins, TMI Legal Office, led by attorney Katsuhiro Tanaka, is excited to announce several significant developments that mark the start of 2026. Celebrating its 37th anniversary this year, TMI is setting ambitious goals for growth and service enhancement across their various legal and consulting sectors.
In a strategic move to bolster its international presence, TMI has welcomed Colin Passmore, former Senior Partner at Simmons & Simmons in the UK, as a Special Advisor. With plans to enhance its operations in vibrant European cities such as London, Brussels, and Paris, TMI aspires to elevate its service offerings on a global scale. “We are thrilled to have Colin onboard as we navigate the complexities of international law and expand our horizons,” stated Tanaka. His expertise will guide TMI’s European initiatives, emphasizing the firm’s commitment to delivering top-tier legal advisory services across borders.
Domestically, TMI has strategically opened a new office in Hiroshima, marking another milestone in its ongoing commitment to broaden its operational footprint throughout Japan. This move reflects TMI’s dedication to being closer to its clients and responding promptly to local legal needs. Tanaka emphasizes, “We strive to continue building new bases that cater to the evolving demands of our clients, ensuring we remain at the forefront of the legal industry.”
The firm is also expanding its talent pool significantly this year, with plans to onboard approximately 60 new lawyers, alongside 10 patent attorneys, including those who have passed the patent examination. With the projected growth, TMI will boast a workforce of around 670 attorneys, 110 patent lawyers, and a collective team of approximately 1,410 professionals. This substantial increase is aimed at enhancing TMI’s capability to address the diverse legal challenges faced by clients.
In parallel, TMI’s affiliated companies, such as TMI Privacy & Security Consulting and TMI Healthcare Consulting, are also announcing their intentions for robust contributions in their respective fields. Under the leadership of Tetsuya Oi, TMI Privacy & Security Consulting aims to merge legal expertise with technology to address data protection, cybersecurity, and privacy concerns. Their goal is to create a solid framework for data governance and effective incident response strategies, which are essential as cyber threats continue to evolve.
Meanwhile, TMI Healthcare Consulting is focused on revolutionizing healthcare services by bridging the gap between medical institutions and corporations. It is committed to promoting better healthcare solutions and leveraging medical knowledge for the benefit of society. “We believe that by fostering cooperation between businesses and healthcare providers, we can significantly enhance the quality of medical services available,” stated Akira Amano, emphasizing the firm's role in addressing burgeoning healthcare challenges.
With the competitive landscape for Japanese businesses getting increasingly complex, TMI Consulting, under the leadership of Junichi Ujiie and Satoshi Kikuchi, aims to provide strategic support for companies venturing into international markets and navigating M&A transactions. “We will harness our comprehensive understanding of legal and practical issues across borders to support clients in their growth endeavors, especially in emerging markets,” they remarked.
As TMI Legal Office and its affiliates embark on this exciting journey in 2026, they are committed to remaining adaptive and innovative, reflecting their mission of providing exceptional service while contributing positively to society. The firm invites ongoing support from its clients and community as they push the boundaries of legal practice.
For additional details regarding TMI Legal Office and its associated companies, please visit their official website:
TMI Legal Office.
With excited optimism, TMI looks forward to a year of opportunities, growth, and meaningful contributions that align with their vision of legal excellence.