Tokyo - (January 19, 2005) - Morrison & Foerster today announced the continued expansion of its flourishing Japan practice with the addition of top real estate attorney Keisuke Mochizuki to its Japanese joint enterprise, Ito & Mitomi. Mr. Mochizuki, recognized as one of Japan's leading real estate attorneys, joins as a partner.

Mr. Mochizuki's practice focuses on real estate transactions and real estate finance. He has represented numerous Japanese and international clients in a broad range of matters, including fund formations, innovative real estate finance transactions and major property acquisitions.

Ken Siegel, Managing Partner of the Firm's Tokyo office, said, "Keisuke is clearly at the top of his profession. He adds a new dimension to our capabilities, and I expect him to be instrumental in furthering the expansion of our real estate practice here in Tokyo." Keith C. Wetmore, Chair of Morrison & Foerster, added, "The addition of Mr. Mochizuki further enhances Morrison & Foerster's dominance in Japan, especially in real estate finance."

Morrison & Foerster is the largest and most diversified international law firm in Japan, with over 70 attorneys in Tokyo. Ito & Mitomi, Morrison's joint enterprise in Japan, is led by Fuyuo Mitomi, one of Japan's leading securities lawyers. Ito & Mitomi works closely with Morrison & Foerster's Tokyo office to provide integrated U.S. and Japanese law advice on multijurisdictional transactional matters.

Commenting on his new partner, Fuyuo Mitomistated, "Mr. Mochizuki is one of the most respected real estate lawyers in Japan. His practice fits well with our existing platform, and he will be a tremendous addition to the firm." Keisuke Mochizuki said, "Having worked with Morrison attorneys on a number of transactions, I am excited to have the opportunity to join a group of such strength and a firm with such global depth and scope."

Morrison & Foerster began expanding its real estate activities in Japan in 2003, and now has one of the most active real estate practices in Tokyo - with 5 partners and a dozen real estate associates. The group represents lenders, borrowers, opportunity funds and other investors in a wide range of finance, joint venture, acquisition and development transactions and is one of the few that have been active in the offering of interests in JREITS.

Mr. Mochizuki was rated by Chambers Global Guide to the World's Leading Lawyers as one of the six leading real estate lawyers in Japan. He received an LLM from the University of Illinois in 1996, and his LLB from Waseda University in 1984. He was admitted in Japan in 1991 and in California in 1997.