Summer Associate Program

Summer Associate Program at Mori Hamada & Matsumoto

Mori Hamada & Matsumoto (MHM), one of Japan's Big Four law firms located in Marunouchi, Tokyo, is accepting applications for its Summer Associate Program (サマーアソシエイトプログラム). This paid programme is one of the most sought-after internship opportunities for Japanese law students.

Programme Overview

The MHM Summer Associate Program typically runs for 2-3 weeks between July and September. Participants are placed in one of MHM's core practice groups — Corporate/M&A, Finance, Litigation, Labour & Employment, or IP/Technology — and work alongside associates and partners on live matters.

What You Will Experience

Summer associates will work on substantive legal matters including research on the Companies Act (会社法), the Civil Code (民法 / Minpō), and the Labour Standards Act (労働基準法). You will attend internal strategy meetings, participate in mock negotiations, and receive personalised feedback from partners. The Marunouchi office offers excellent facilities adjacent to Tokyo Station.

MHM views the Summer Associate Program as its primary talent pipeline. A significant majority of MHM's associate hires have participated in the programme prior to joining the firm after completing the bar examination (司法試験) and judicial apprenticeship (司法修習 / shihō shūshū).

Programme Details

• Duration: 2-3 weeks (July-September)
• Compensation: Paid programme (daily stipend provided)
• Location: Marunouchi, Tokyo
• Rotation option available across multiple practice groups

• Conduct legal research on assigned topics and prepare written memoranda
• Assist associates with due diligence exercises and document review
• Attend internal team meetings and observe client interactions
• Participate in mock negotiation and drafting exercises
• Receive one-on-one mentoring from assigned associate and partner mentors
• Attend practice group presentations and professional development sessions
• Complete a research assignment and present findings to the practice group

• Currently enrolled in a hōka daigakuin (法科大学院), typically 2nd or 3rd year
• Alternatively, passed the yobi shiken (予備試験) preliminary examination
• Strong academic record and genuine interest in legal practice
• Excellent Japanese legal writing and analytical skills
• English proficiency valued but not required for all practice groups
• Available for the full programme duration during summer
• Enthusiasm for learning and collaborative team participation