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Mark Barnfield
Private Practice team
Leeds office
Tokyo
Come with an open mind and be prepared to be surprised! Tokyo is a remarkable city full of contrasts. It is a bustling city with plenty of attractions and a vibrant culture. It boasts an extraordinary variety of museums, galleries, shrines and temples. It has great parks and the most remarkable array of bars and restaurants. There is a large and flourishing ex-pat community and as you travel through Japan, you will discover an even wider range of cultural, natural and historical wonders.
Law Firms & In-House
The second biggest economy in the world and a massive financial market, Tokyo can offer a lawyer some of the highest quality and most challenging work in the world. The premier UK and US firms all have thriving offices here and there are also selective opportunities for lawyers in top-tier investment banks.
Principal Areas of Demand
Private Practice
International law firms in Japan have grown steadily over the last ten years and now have well established practices in a number of areas. Japanese language skills are much sought after, but not essential in most instances. Lawyers are predominantly in demand in the following areas:
- Banking & Finance
- Capital Markets
- Corporate
- Project Finance
- Energy
- Dispute Resolution
In-House
There are opportunities for outstanding lawyers, particularly with Japanese language skills, in the following areas:
- Capital Markets
- Derivatives and Structured Products
Remuneration & Benefits
The cost of living in Tokyo is high, but this is reflected in the salary packages on offer. Although most organisations have moved away from traditional ex-pat deals, they still offer a local cash package that is extremely attractive. Lawyers in Tokyo are as well-off as lawyers anywhere in the world.
Outside the Office
Tokyo and Japan as a whole offer a phenomenal range of activities and events. Whether your interests incline towards history, culture, sport, eating, drinking or shopping, or whether you prefer to spend your weekends just ‘chilling out’, there are an enormous number of options on offer. Life is equally fulfilling for the single lawyer or family. A superb transport system allows you to get around Japan and take in magnificent national parks and fantastic cities like Kyoto. Australia is a short flight and the rest of Asia is on your doorstep.
For further information on the legal market and job opportunities in Tokyo please contact your nearest Taylor Root office:
London:
Shobana Kanagasingham E: shobanakanagasingham@taylorroot.com T: 020 7415 2828
Dubai:
Shane Morton E: shanemorton@taylorroot.com T: +971 4 319 7601
Hong Kong:
Michael Luckett E: michaelluckett@taylorroot.com.hk T: +852 2973 6333
Sydney:
Sandra D'Souza E: sandradsouza@taylorroot.com.au T: +61 (0)2 9236 9000
Melbourne:
Tim Fogarty E: timfogarty@taylorroot.com.au T: +61 (0)3 8610 8400