Associate – International Arbitration

Associate – International Arbitration at Baker McKenzie Tokyo

Baker McKenzie's Tokyo office in Minato-ku is seeking a bengoshi to join its International Arbitration & Dispute Resolution practice. As one of the world's largest international law firms, Baker McKenzie offers unparalleled cross-border dispute resolution experience with a truly global client base.

About the Role

You will represent Japanese and multinational clients in international commercial arbitrations seated in Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, London, and other major arbitration venues. The role involves disputes under ICC, JCAA (Japan Commercial Arbitration Association), SIAC, and HKIAC rules, as well as investor-state arbitrations. Knowledge of the Japanese Arbitration Act (仲裁法) and the Code of Civil Procedure (民事訴訟法) is essential.

Based in our Minato-ku office, you will work in a bilingual (English/Japanese) environment alongside lawyers qualified in multiple jurisdictions. You will also handle litigation matters before the Tokyo District Court (東京地方裁判所) and the Tokyo High Court (東京高等裁判所) where they intersect with international disputes.

Practice Areas

• International commercial arbitration (ICC, JCAA, SIAC, HKIAC)
• Investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) and treaty-based arbitration
• Cross-border litigation and enforcement of foreign judgments
• Construction and infrastructure disputes
• Post-M&A disputes including warranty and indemnity claims

• Represent clients in international arbitration proceedings across multiple institutions
• Draft pleadings, witness statements, and legal memoranda in English and Japanese
• Conduct legal research on Japanese and comparative law issues
• Manage document production and e-discovery processes
• Assist in hearing preparation including witness preparation and cross-examination outlines
• Coordinate with Baker McKenzie offices globally on multi-jurisdictional disputes
• Support enforcement of arbitral awards before Japanese courts

• Registered bengoshi (弁護士) with the JFBA (日本弁護士連合会)
• 4-7 years of post-qualification experience in dispute resolution or litigation
• Completion of Shihō Kenshūjo (司法研修所) training
• Native-level Japanese and business-fluent English (written and oral advocacy)
• LL.M. from a US or UK law school strongly preferred
• Experience in international arbitration proceedings preferred
• Knowledge of the Arbitration Act (仲裁法) and Civil Procedure Code (民事訴訟法)