Associate – Domestic M&A

Associate – Domestic M&A at Mori Hamada & Matsumoto

Mori Hamada & Matsumoto (MHM), a founding member of Japan's Big Four law firms, seeks a talented bengoshi to join its Domestic M&A Practice Group at the firm's Marunouchi, Tokyo headquarters. MHM has consistently been ranked as a top-tier firm for M&A in Japan by all leading legal directories.

About the Role

You will advise Japanese corporations on domestic mergers, acquisitions, corporate reorganisations, and management buyouts. The role centres on the Companies Act (会社法 / Kaisha-hō), with frequent engagement on matters involving the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (金融商品取引法) for transactions involving listed companies on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE).

Located in the Marunouchi district adjacent to Tokyo Station, our office provides seamless access to Japan's leading corporations and financial advisory firms. You will be involved in all stages of transactions from initial structuring through to closing and post-merger integration.

Practice Areas

• Domestic M&A including share acquisitions, business transfers, and corporate splits
• Management buyouts (MBOs) and leveraged buyouts (LBOs)
• Corporate reorganisations under the Companies Act (会社法)
• Hostile takeover defence and activist shareholder response
• Corporate governance advisory in line with Japan's Corporate Governance Code

• Advise on structuring and executing domestic M&A transactions
• Draft share purchase agreements, merger agreements, and ancillary documentation
• Conduct comprehensive legal due diligence on target companies
• Advise boards of directors on fiduciary duties and governance obligations
• Prepare regulatory filings and stock exchange notifications
• Coordinate with tax, antitrust, and employment teams within the firm
• Assist in preparing fairness opinions and valuation-related legal analysis

• Registered bengoshi (弁護士) with the JFBA (日本弁護士連合会)
• 4-7 years of post-qualification experience in corporate or M&A law
• Completed Shihō Kenshūjo (司法研修所) judicial apprenticeship
• Strong command of the Companies Act (会社法) and related regulations
• Experience in due diligence, SPA drafting, and transaction management
• Working-level English proficiency preferred
• Experience with TSE-listed company transactions advantageous