Legal Intern – Trade & Compliance

Legal Intern – Trade & Compliance at Mitsubishi Corporation

Mitsubishi Corporation, Japan's largest sōgō shōsha (総合商社), invites law students to apply for a legal internship within its Legal Division at the Marunouchi, Tokyo headquarters. This programme provides unparalleled exposure to international trade law and corporate compliance at a company that operates across virtually every industry and in over 90 countries.

Programme Overview

The Mitsubishi Corporation legal internship runs for 3-4 weeks during the summer period (July-September). The programme is designed for law students interested in international trade, corporate compliance, and in-house legal practice at a diversified multinational corporation. Mitsubishi Corporation's extraordinary breadth of operations — from natural resources to consumer products to digital innovation — offers legal exposure that no single-industry company can match.

What You Will Experience

Interns will gain exposure to the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (外国為替及び外国貿易法 / FEFTA) export control compliance, the Companies Act (会社法) as applied to group company governance, the Unfair Competition Prevention Act (不正競争防止法) anti-corruption provisions, and international contract drafting. You will observe how in-house counsel at a trading company manage legal risk across dozens of simultaneous transactions in multiple countries.

The programme includes sessions on Mitsubishi Corporation's global operations, international trade law fundamentals, and the role of legal departments in supporting business decision-making. The Marunouchi headquarters provides a prestigious work environment in the heart of Tokyo's business district.

Programme Details

• Duration: 3-4 weeks (July-September)
• Compensation: Paid internship
• Location: Marunouchi, Tokyo (Mitsubishi Corporation headquarters)
• International trade and corporate compliance focus

• Assist with trade compliance research including FEFTA export control reviews
• Review and summarise international commercial contracts
• Conduct research on anti-corruption and sanctions compliance topics
• Attend sessions on Mitsubishi Corporation's global operations and legal function
• Observe in-house counsel interactions with business divisions
• Participate in workshops on international contract drafting fundamentals
• Complete a research project on an international trade or compliance topic

• Enrolled in a hōka daigakuin (法科大学院) or graduate programme in international law/trade
• Strong interest in international trade law, compliance, or in-house legal practice
• Basic understanding of FEFTA (外国為替及び外国貿易法) and international trade concepts
• Working-level English proficiency required (international environment)
• Interest in diverse industries (natural resources, manufacturing, consumer goods, technology)
• Strong academic record and cross-cultural communication skills
• Available for 3-4 weeks during the summer period