Description

This is a senior leadership opportunity to build and lead the Japan legal function within a global investment platform operating at the forefront of capital markets and investment banking. As Senior Legal Counsel, you will play a critical role supporting equity-linked investments, structured transactions, and cross-border activities across APAC, while acting as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders. The role offers high visibility, strategic influence, and direct impact on complex, high-value transactions.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute third-party allotments, PIPE transactions, and other equity-linked investments across Japan and APAC, from structuring and diligence through negotiation and closing.
• Design and implement legal and compliance workflows that balance execution speed with control, governance, and transparency.
• Drive Japan entity formation and ongoing governance, working closely with external advisors and regulators.
• Collaborate with global legal teams on cross-border policies, risk management, and transaction precedents.
• Manage external counsel relationships, including engagement strategy, fees, and performance oversight.
• Negotiate ISDA agreements and equity-derivative documentation to support hedging and structured investments.
• Lead enforcement strategies and coordinate dispute management when required.
• Build strong relationships with issuers, financial institutions, and law firms to enhance market access and execution capability.

Required Skills and Qualifications Experience

• Japan-qualified lawyer (弁護士) with 7-12+ years of experience at a top-tier law firm and/or multinational financial institution.
• Direct experience advising on third-party allotments, PIPE transactions, or public-company financings in Japan.
• Strong expertise in equity-linked instruments, including convertible bonds, warrants, and rights issues.
• In-depth knowledge of Japanese securities regulations, including disclosure and insider trading frameworks.
• Experience establishing corporate entities and compliance frameworks in Japan.
• Exposure to APAC and/or U.S. capital markets transactions.

Soft Skills

• Commercially pragmatic, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders.
• Calm, highly organized, and effective under pressure across multiple concurrent workstreams.
• Collaborative, low-ego communicator with a strong global mindset.
• Confident leader able to operate independently while escalating appropriately.

Language Requirements

• Japanese: Native
• English: Fluent

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with derivatives, ISDA documentation, or structured finance transactions.
• Background in investment management or broader financial services.
• Interest in data-driven, probabilistic, or game-theory-based decision-making approaches.

About the Company
Our client is an affiliate of one of the world's largest privately held financial institutions, combining the agility of a lean Asia platform with the stability and resources of a global investment organization. The firm is recognized for its analytical rigor, collaborative culture, and long-term, data-driven investment philosophy, offering an environment where senior professionals can make a tangible impact.
Why You'll Love Working Here

• Career-defining opportunity to build and lead Japan's legal function.
• Hands-on role influencing strategy, structure, and execution across complex capital markets transactions.
• High-trust culture focused on autonomy, efficiency, and strategic thinking rather than long hours.
• Highly competitive compensation, up to JPY 50M+ for outstanding profiles.
• Flat, international organization that values collaboration, resourcefulness, and continuous improvement.

Don't Miss Out - Apply Now!