Summer Associate Program

Summer Associate Program at Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu

Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu (NOT), a Big Four law firm based in Marunouchi, Tokyo, invites applications for its annual Summer Associate Program. NOT is recognised as one of the most international of Japan's elite domestic firms, with strong cross-border transaction capabilities.

Programme Overview

NOT's Summer Associate Program runs for approximately 3 weeks during the summer period (July-September). The programme offers law students a comprehensive view of practice at a top-tier Japanese firm, with particular emphasis on cross-border and international work that distinguishes NOT in the market.

What You Will Experience

Summer associates will be assigned to teams working on matters involving the Companies Act (会社法), the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (金融商品取引法 / FIEA), and international transactions. You will draft research memos, review contracts, and observe proceedings at the Tokyo District Court (東京地方裁判所). NOT's bilingual environment provides exposure to both Japanese and English-language legal work.

The programme includes a structured mentoring system pairing each summer associate with a junior associate mentor and a partner sponsor. Social activities, including firm outings and practice group events, ensure participants experience the firm culture beyond the legal work.

Programme Details

• Duration: Approximately 3 weeks (July-September)
• Compensation: Paid programme
• Location: Marunouchi, Tokyo
• Emphasis on bilingual (English/Japanese) legal skills development

• Conduct research on cross-border legal issues in English and Japanese
• Draft memoranda on comparative law topics
• Assist with document review and due diligence exercises
• Observe proceedings at the Tokyo District Court (東京地方裁判所)
• Participate in bilingual training workshops and practice group seminars
• Meet with partners across practice groups during structured rotations
• Present a final research project to supervising partners

• Enrolled in a hōka daigakuin (法科大学院) or passed the yobi shiken (予備試験)
• Typically 2nd or 3rd year law school students
• Strong academic performance and analytical abilities
• English proficiency highly valued (NOT emphasises bilingual capabilities)
• Interest in cross-border transactions and international legal practice
• Available for the full programme period during summer
• Aspiration to build a career in corporate law at a top-tier firm