Summer Associate Program

Summer Associate Program at Nishimura & Asahi

Nishimura & Asahi, Japan's largest law firm headquartered in Otemachi, Tokyo, invites applications for its prestigious Summer Associate Program (サマーアソシエイトプログラム). This is a paid programme designed for law students enrolled in a hōka daigakuin (法科大学院 / Japanese law school) who are aspiring to become bengoshi (弁護士).

Programme Overview

The Summer Associate Program runs for approximately 2-3 weeks during the July-September period. Participants will be assigned to one or more practice groups and will gain hands-on exposure to the work of Japan's largest law firm. The programme is based at our Otemachi office in the heart of Tokyo's financial district, steps from Tokyo Station.

What You Will Experience

Summer associates will attend actual client meetings (with client consent), participate in legal research exercises, draft memoranda under partner supervision, and observe court proceedings at the Tokyo District Court (東京地方裁判所). The programme includes social events such as welcome dinners, practice group lunches, and networking sessions with associates at all levels.

You will be exposed to a range of practice areas including corporate M&A under the Companies Act (会社法), finance and capital markets under the FIEA (金融商品取引法), litigation, intellectual property, and international arbitration. This programme provides a pathway to a full-time associate position upon completion of the bar examination (司法試験 / shiho shiken) and Shihō Kenshūjo training.

Programme Details

• Duration: 2-3 weeks (July-September)
• Compensation: Paid programme (competitive daily stipend)
• Location: Otemachi, Tokyo
• Cohort size: Approximately 30-40 summer associates per session

• Conduct legal research on assigned matters under partner and associate supervision
• Draft legal memoranda, client letters, and contract review summaries
• Attend client meetings with supervising lawyers (subject to client consent)
• Observe court proceedings at the Tokyo District Court (東京地方裁判所)
• Participate in practice group presentations and training sessions
• Attend social events including welcome dinner and networking sessions
• Complete a capstone research project to be presented to the practice group

• Currently enrolled in a hōka daigakuin (法科大学院) — typically 2nd or 3rd year students
• Strong academic record with demonstrated interest in corporate law
• Passed the preliminary examination (予備試験 / yobi shiken) candidates also welcome
• Excellent legal research and writing skills in Japanese
• English proficiency is an advantage, especially for international practice groups
• Commitment to pursuing a career as a bengoshi (弁護士)
• Availability for the full programme duration during the summer period