Legal Manager – International Trade & Joint Ventures

Legal Manager – International Trade & Joint Ventures at Mitsubishi Corporation

Mitsubishi Corporation, Japan's largest sōgō shōsha (総合商社 / general trading company), is seeking an experienced legal manager to join its Legal Division at the Marunouchi, Tokyo headquarters. Mitsubishi Corporation operates across virtually every industry and in over 90 countries worldwide.

About the Role

As Legal Manager for International Trade & Joint Ventures, you will provide legal support for the company's global trading operations, joint venture structuring, and cross-border investments. The role requires knowledge of the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (外国為替及び外国貿易法 / FEFTA), the Companies Act (会社法), and international trade law including WTO agreements and bilateral investment treaties.

Based at the iconic Mitsubishi Corporation headquarters in Marunouchi, directly adjacent to the Imperial Palace grounds, you will work on transactions spanning natural resources, industrial materials, consumer goods, and infrastructure. The role involves coordination with legal teams in regional offices across Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Africa.

Focus Areas

• International joint venture structuring and shareholder agreements
• Trade compliance under FEFTA (外国為替及び外国貿易法) and export control regulations
• Cross-border investment and M&A advisory
• International arbitration and dispute management
• Economic sanctions compliance and anti-corruption (FCPA, UK Bribery Act, Japan's Unfair Competition Prevention Act)

• Advise business divisions on international joint venture structuring and negotiation
• Review and negotiate shareholder agreements, JV agreements, and offtake contracts
• Ensure compliance with FEFTA export controls and economic sanctions
• Manage international arbitration proceedings and cross-border disputes
• Coordinate with external counsel in multiple jurisdictions
• Develop and deliver compliance training on anti-corruption and trade controls
• Report to the General Counsel on legal risks in new business initiatives

• Registered bengoshi (弁護士) with the JFBA, or extensive in-house legal experience
• 8-15 years of experience in international trade, corporate, or commercial law
• Strong knowledge of FEFTA (外国為替及び外国貿易法) and the Companies Act (会社法)
• Experience structuring and negotiating joint ventures and shareholder agreements
• Fluent English (this role involves daily international communication)
• International work experience or LL.M. from a foreign law school preferred
• Experience in the trading company, energy, or infrastructure sector advantageous