My client, a major American financial services company, is looking for a Japanese-qualified lawyer (bengoshi) with around 3–10 years of experience.

It's a particularly great opportunity for those on the junior side, as it's quite rare to join a firm of this caliber so early in your career.

Role Responsibilities

1. Business Development Support

• Provide legal support for new business initiatives and development projects.
• Review operational risk matters and advise on related implementation efforts.

2. Contract Management

• Draft, review, negotiate, and amend a wide range of commercial agreements.
• Guide internal stakeholders on standard terms, conditions, and business processes.

3. Regulatory Affairs

• Monitor and interpret upcoming regulatory changes in Japan that may affect the company's operations.
• Relevant areas include financial services, payments, consumer protection, electronic money, competition, data privacy, and outsourcing regulations.
• Work closely with Government Affairs and Compliance to support advocacy efforts, resolve interpretive issues, and advise on implementation.

4. Strategic Transactions and Major Deals

• Provide proactive, business-focused legal advice for major commercial transactions, including M&A-related matters, strategic alliances, and the structuring and negotiation of key deals.

5. Dispute Resolution

• Manage and advise on litigation, disputes, and claims involving the company.
• Aim to achieve constructive, mutually beneficial outcomes that protect the organization's brand and stakeholder value.

6. General Legal Advisory

• Offer guidance on legal entity governance, business structuring, and other legal or regulatory matters arising within a large multinational enterprise.

7. Budget and Administrative Oversight

• Manage legal spend within the allocated budget.
• Support internal reporting obligations and contribute to legal department operations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Licensed attorney in Japan with at least 3 years of post-qualification experience in financial services, payments, technology, or related sectors.
• Prior in-house experience at a financial institution or multinational corporation is preferred.
• Fluency in written and spoken Japanese and English, with demonstrated ability to draft and negotiate complex agreements in both languages.

Required Skills

• Communication: Ability to convey complex legal issues clearly and concisely to business partners and colleagues across the region.
• Relationship Building: Proven ability to collaborate, influence, and maintain strong working relationships.
• Business Acumen & Innovation: Ability to contextualize legal advice within broader business objectives and contribute creatively to strategic discussions.
• Professional Presence: Maintains composure under pressure; able to address difficult topics while guiding stakeholders toward practical solutions.
• Agility & Collaboration: Works efficiently in fast-paced environments, managing multiple priorities and partnering with key stakeholders to achieve results.
• Pragmatic Legal Judgment: Applies legal knowledge in a practical, commercially minded manner.
• Mindset: Positive attitude, growth-oriented approach, and strong team orientation.

Employee Benefits (Summary)

The company offers a range of benefits designed to support holistic well-being—physically, financially, and emotionally—while providing the flexibility required to thrive both personally and professionally. Benefits may include:

• Competitive base salary
• Performance-based bonuses
• Financial wellness and retirement programs
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision, life, disability)
• Flexible work model (hybrid, onsite, or remote depending on role)
• Parental leave policies
• Access to wellness resources or on-site health services (location dependent)
• Confidential mental health and counseling support
• Career development and training programs