Lateral Partner – Corporate M&A, Tokyo

The firm keeps this requirement live while the right candidate is in market, not to a published deadline. We take approaches at any stage in your own timeline.

An established international law firm is seeking a lateral partner to join and lead within its corporate practice in Tokyo, with a strong emphasis on the United States market. This is a strategic opportunity for a senior practitioner with an existing Japan-facing corporate practice to join a platform with genuine cross-border depth.

The successful partner will advise on mergers and acquisitions and broader corporate transactions, working closely with colleagues across the firm's global network on inbound and outbound Japan-related work. The role involves both client leadership and practice development, with a clear expectation of growing the corporate offering in the Tokyo market.

This position suits an entrepreneurial partner who can operate at the highest level of the market while contributing to the wider growth and reputation of the team. The firm values collaboration and candidates who are comfortable working across cultures and jurisdictions.

• Admitted to practice with substantial post-qualification experience in corporate and M&A law
• Demonstrated partner-level track record advising on mergers and acquisitions, including cross-border matters
• Experience serving the US market and a strong understanding of US-facing client expectations
• Fluency in English; additional language skills relevant to the Japanese market advantageous
• Strong client relationship and business development skills
• Portable book of business of $2M+ (USD)

Where the match is not obvious from the description, it is usually still worth talking — these mandates flex around the right practice.