Senior Associate (Bengoshi) - Private Equity, M&A

Key Responsibilities

• Take a lead role in executing complex transactions, managing multiple workstreams with increasing autonomy (particularly at Senior Associate level)
• Provide practical, commercial and solutions-oriented advice to a sophisticated international client base
• Draft, review and negotiate transaction documents to a high standard
• Act as a key point of contact for Japan-related aspects of cross-border deals
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, contributing to business development initiatives
• Support and mentor junior lawyers where appropriate

Why Join Us

• Work on market-leading private equity and M&A transactions with global impact
• Collaborate with top-tier practitioners across our international platform
• Benefit from high-quality training, structured career progression, and early responsibility
• Be part of a dynamic, collaborative and internationally focused Tokyo team

• Qualified Bengoshi in Japan
• 4–8 years PQE
• Strong experience in M&A and/or private equity transactions, ideally with cross-border exposure
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and analytical skills
• Strong Japanese and English communication skills
• Experience advising private equity sponsors on inbound and outbound investments
• Exposure to auction processes and complex deal execution structures
• Preferably experience in sectors such as energy & infrastructure, technology, or healthcare
• Commercially minded, proactive and solutions-driven
• Able to operate independently while collaborating effectively across global teams
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities in fast-paced transactions
• Motivated to develop client relationships and contribute to business growth
• A team player with leadership potential

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