Summer Associate Program

Summer Associate Program at Anderson Mōri & Tomotsune

Anderson Mōri & Tomotsune (AMT), one of Japan's Big Four law firms headquartered in Otemachi, Tokyo, is accepting applications for its Summer Associate Program (サマーアソシエイトプログラム). AMT's programme is known for providing substantive work experience in its strongest practice areas: finance, M&A, and dispute resolution.

Programme Overview

AMT's Summer Associate Program runs for 2-3 weeks during July-September. The programme is structured around hands-on legal work rather than observation, giving participants a realistic preview of associate life at a Big Four firm. Each summer associate is paired with both an associate mentor and a partner advisor.

What You Will Experience

Summer associates will work on matters under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (金融商品取引法 / FIEA), the Companies Act (会社法), and the Antimonopoly Act (独占禁止法). AMT is particularly strong in structured finance and capital markets, and summer associates interested in finance law will have the opportunity to work on securitisation, derivatives, and banking regulatory matters.

The programme includes workshops on legal research methodology, professional responsibility under the Attorney Act (弁護士法), and career development sessions. AMT also organises visits to the Tokyo Stock Exchange and other industry institutions.

Programme Details

• Duration: 2-3 weeks (July-September)
• Compensation: Paid programme
• Location: Otemachi, Tokyo
• Emphasis on finance, M&A, and dispute resolution practice areas

• Conduct research on finance, corporate, and regulatory law topics
• Draft legal memoranda and research summaries under supervision
• Assist with document review and transaction support tasks
• Attend a visit to the Tokyo Stock Exchange and other institutions
• Participate in legal research methodology workshops
• Receive structured feedback from mentor and partner advisor
• Present a research project to the practice group at programme conclusion

• Enrolled in a hōka daigakuin (法科大学院) — 2nd or 3rd year preferred
• Alternatively, passed the yobi shiken (予備試験)
• Strong interest in finance law, M&A, or dispute resolution
• Excellent academic record and analytical capabilities
• Strong Japanese legal writing skills
• English proficiency valued for international practice group placements
• Available for the full programme duration