Associate

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is a world-leading global law firm, where our ambition is to help you achieve your goals.

 

Exceptional client service and the pursuit of excellence are at our core. We invest in and care about our client relationships, which is why so many are longstanding. We enjoy breaking new ground, as we have for over 170 years.

 

As a fully integrated transatlantic and transpacific firm, we are where you need us to be. Our footprint is extensive and committed across the world’s largest markets, key financial centres and major growth hubs.

 

At our best tackling complexity and navigating change, we work alongside you on demanding litigation, exacting regulatory work and complex public and private market transactions. We are recognised as leading in these areas.

 

We are immersed in the sectors and challenges that impact you. We are recognised as standing apart in energy, infrastructure and resources. And we’re focused on areas of growth that affect every business across the world.

 

All of this is achieved by supporting the growth of our people, who help us deliver on our ambition – which is to help you achieve yours.

 

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer: Your goals. Our ambition

The Opportunity

Client SECONDMENT Opportunity

Corporate associate (TOKYO)

As part of Life@HSF, we are committed to supporting career development opportunities across our global network. Where possible, vacancies are shared internally to enable colleagues to explore new opportunities, broaden their experience and build international careers (subject to local regulations and immigration requirements).

The Opportunity

An exciting client secondment opportunity has arisen to work with our long‑standing Japanese client, ITOCHU. The secondment will initially be for one year, with the potential for extension for a further year, either at the client’s Tokyo office or in our Tokyo office. This opportunity sits firmly within the firm’s strategic focus on Japan in 2026, reflecting the importance of our Japan practice and the depth of our relationships with leading Japanese corporations.

This secondment opportunity at ITOCHU offers a unique opportunity to support transactions and legal advisory work across its global portfolio, while gaining first‑hand experience of working within one of Japan’s most significant trading houses. You will be working closely with our Tokyo partners, Graeme Preston, Andrew Blacoe and Joseph Fisher, all members of our Tokyo office and our global network to support ITOCHU, with the expected commencement to be in Q3 2026 (depending on the visa and relevant regularly approval).

This client secondment is an invaluable opportunity to gain direct, in-house business experience in one of our priority markets, deepening your understanding your understanding of the commercial needs of our clients and, ultimately, to help develop your career. Given the global nature of the Japanese trading houses, the relationships that you build whilst on secondment can be leveraged beyond your time in Tokyo and continue upon your return to your home office. These long-running secondments have provided career defining opportunities

for many of our lawyers over the years, including some of our partners.  You will also engage regularly with, and be fully supported by, our Tokyo office team throughout the secondment.

Ideal candidates will have experience in Energy, M&A and general corporate work, with a strong interest in Asia (especially Japan and North Asia) and, preferably some exposure to Japanese clients or cross-jurisdiction transactions across the APAC region. Applications are welcome from lawyers of any common law qualification; however, England & Wales qualification is preferred by the client. Japanese language skills, whilst helpful, are not a prerequisite for this opportunity.

This is a rare opportunity to play a direct role in the firm’s ongoing growth and strategic focus in Japan while working with one of our most significant Japanese clients.

If you are interested in applying, please ensure you have discussed your intention to apply with your supervising partner prior to submitting a formal application. Transparency enables us to support individuals throughout the process and plan appropriately for resourcing needs.

For an informal discussion about the opportunity, please contact Tammy Man, Recruitment Manager, Asia.

Team

CorporateFull time

Location

Tokyo

Contract type

Fixed Term Contract

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values—Human, Bold, and Outstanding.