Work in Japan
In 2000, I set up an opportunity for UQ law students to be legal editors in a major international Japanese law firm in Tokyo. Initially it was with the firm Anderson Mori and for the last decade with Nishimura & Asahi. They work for a year as a legal editor for a Japanese bengoshi (lawyer) along with legal editors from other nations.
About Nishimura & Asahi
Nishimura & Asahi, one of Japan’s premier law firms located in Akasaka, Tokyo, regularly seek English-language legal editors in their firm. Positions involve editing and rewriting a wide range of documents as well as assisting in due diligence, research and similar matters.
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Nishimura & Asahi employ over 484 Japanese attorneys, and several attorneys and editors from countries such as the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Australia. They specialise in commercial law and also have strengths in intellectual property, insurance law, acquisitions and mergers and securitisation.
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Visit the Nishimura & Asahi website for more information about the firm.
What students say about the experience
Ellen Jones
Although I must admit I was a little nervous on my first day (not least because the office is just across the road from the Imperial Palace!), my time at Nishimura & Asahi so far has flown by and I can confidently say that it has been an incredibly enriching experience, both professionally and personally.
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I spent two semesters on exchange in western Japan during my studies, so needless to say I was very excited to have the unique opportunity to return to work at a Japanese law firm. While living in Tokyo has been a great chance to work on my Japanese, I would equally encourage people who do not have any prior knowledge of the Japanese language to apply for this position.
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My work at Nishimura & Asahi has primarily involved editing, proofreading, and re-writing many kinds of documents, from emails to due diligence to influencer agreements. I have also been able to be join the document review team for an international arbitration case. Given the size and global nature of the firm, the Legal Editor position offers an inside look at a wide range of legal matters. It has been fascinating to assist with the behind-the-scenes work of cases involving well-known Japanese and international companies.
Don’t be worried about what you may have heard about Japanese working hours – the Legal Editors at Nishimura & Asahi enjoy very reasonable working conditions with plenty of work-life balance. Which is just as well, seeing as Tokyo is one of the most exciting cities in the world and you will never be short of weekend activities!
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This is a rare opportunity to gain practical legal experience and exposure to commercial law while also living overseas!
Lauren Zanetti
Working at Nishimura & Asahi was a great adventure - cultural immersion, interesting legal work and a chance to live in one the most exciting cities in the world.
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As a Legal Editor I was exposed to both Japanese law and a large range of cross border cases, often for high profile clients. Being part of a small team of foreigners in a firm of over 1000 Japanese staff allowed me a unique insight into a Japanese workplace. The prevalence of Hello Kitty and bowing around the office were just the beginning of the many cultural differences I encountered daily. During my time at N& A the firm organised ski trips and notably a weekend at a hot springs resort, which was not an icebreaker I was accustomed to with work colleagues, but was fabulous nonetheless!
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N&A really looks after Legal Editors and we were certainly not subject to the punishing hours one expects at a Japanese law firm. There was plenty of time to explore Tokyo and its surrounds (arigato bullet train!). Dining with geishas, climbing Mount Fuji, cherry blossom season and delicious Japanese cuisine were some of my highlights. I quickly fell in love with Tokyo's fascinating blend of old and new. From the neon, frenetic, hyper-convenient side of modern Tokyo with its hidden clubs, karaoke bars and harajuku girls to the calming traditions, tranquil temples and gardens and glimpses of ladies on the subway in exquisite kimono which punctuate the rush.
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I left Tokyo with many strong friendships from both inside and outside the firm and what I suspect will be a lifelong love affair with Japan. Ostukaresama desu!
Angus Conaghan
From 2004-2007, I was fortunate to work for the law firm Nishimura & Asahi in Tokyo, Japan. The experience was made available to me through the University of Queensland’s ‘Work in Japan’ program. What started as a 1 year arrangement lasted more than 3 years because I enjoyed the experience so much.
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Our main task was to work with the firm’s Japanese lawyers to proofread English language documents they created. The range of work included contracts, legal memoranda, correspondence, and due diligence.
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My work for the firm exposed me to often large and complex transactions and gave me the opportunity to learn from lawyers who are experts in their field. I honestly found everyone I worked with to be friendly and keen to answer any questions I had about work or life in Japan in general. The experience helped me to gain employment as a graduate solicitor for a Brisbane city law firm when I returned to Australia.
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On a personal note, my time in Japan was thoroughly rewarding and enjoyable. There was a great camaraderie among the legal editors, and outside of work we would catch up on the weekends, or for lunch or dinner during the days. The firm had discount arrangements with some world class ski resorts nearby, so a few times each year I went on organised ski trips.
While I was in Japan, I also visited the historic temples in Kyoto, the Peace Park in Hiroshima, the hot springs in Shizuoka, and Mt Fuji. The food, culture and people in Japan were amazing. I would highly recommend the opportunity to University of Queensland students.