Associate – Restructuring & Insolvency

Associate – Restructuring & Insolvency at Kitahama Partners

Kitahama Partners in Nakanoshima, Osaka, is seeking a bengoshi to join its Restructuring & Insolvency Practice Group. The firm has extensive experience representing debtors, creditors, and insolvency practitioners in some of the Kansai region's most significant restructuring matters.

About the Role

You will advise on corporate restructuring and insolvency matters under Japan's Bankruptcy Act (破産法 / Hasan-hō), Civil Rehabilitation Act (民事再生法 / Minji Saisei-hō), Corporate Reorganisation Act (会社更生法 / Kaisha Kōsei-hō), and out-of-court workout guidelines. The role involves representing debtors in rehabilitation proceedings, advising creditors on recovery strategies, and acting as court-appointed supervisors.

Based in Nakanoshima, Osaka, you will handle cases filed in the Osaka District Court (大阪地方裁判所) and work closely with the court's insolvency division. The Kansai region has its own active restructuring market driven by the manufacturing and SME sectors, providing a steady stream of complex insolvency matters.

Practice Areas

• Civil rehabilitation (民事再生) proceedings for SMEs and mid-cap companies
• Corporate reorganisation (会社更生) for larger enterprises
• Bankruptcy (破産) administration and distribution
• Out-of-court workouts and turnaround advisory
• Creditor representation in insolvency proceedings

• Represent debtors and creditors in insolvency proceedings before the Osaka courts
• Draft rehabilitation plans, reorganisation plans, and creditor proposals
• Advise on out-of-court workout structures and turnaround strategies
• Serve as court-appointed supervisor or assistant in rehabilitation proceedings
• Negotiate with financial institution creditors on debt restructuring
• Advise on avoidance actions and fraudulent transfer claims
• Coordinate with accountants and financial advisers on viability assessments

• Registered bengoshi (弁護士) with the JFBA (日本弁護士連合会)
• Registered with the Osaka Bar Association or willing to transfer
• 4-7 years of post-qualification experience in restructuring, insolvency, or corporate law
• Knowledge of the Bankruptcy Act (破産法), Civil Rehabilitation Act (民事再生法), and Corporate Reorganisation Act (会社更生法)
• Experience with court-supervised insolvency proceedings preferred
• Strong financial literacy and understanding of business operations
• Working-level English is an advantage but not required for this role