Bengoshi Associate, Real Estate practice, Tokyo

We are one of the largest international law firms in the world. With over 30 offices across the globe, we strive to exceed the expectations of our clients, providing them with the highest-quality advice and legal insight, which combines the firm’s global standards with in-depth local expertise.

Our firm, work and people span jurisdictions, cultures, and languages. We offer our clients a truly international perspective. We believe every career should be rewarding and stimulating - full of opportunities to learn, thrive, and grow. That’s why we’re so proud of our inclusive, friendly, and team-based approach to work.

You’ll find our clients in commercial and industrial sectors, the financial investor community, governments, regulators, trade bodies, and not-for-profit organisations. But no matter who they are or why they’ve reached out to us, we provide a world-class service every step of the way. And that’s possible thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit and conscientious approach to work that you’ll find across all of our teams.

Whichever area of the business you join, you’ll become an integral part an innovative, diverse and ambitious team of people. Clifford Chance is a place where the brightest minds and the best of colleagues meet.

Our Tokyo Capital Markets team is seeking a mid‑level Japan‑qualified Bengoshi to join our highly active Real Estate practice. 

The successful candidate will play a key role advising global and domestic clients on complex real estate investments, securitisation structures, and regulatory requirements in Japan.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise foreign and domestic investors on Japanese real estate transactions, including acquisitions, asset management, and exits.
• Lead and support transactions involving TMK (Tokutei Mokuteki Kaisha) and GK‑TK (Godo Kaisha – Tokumei Kumiai) investment structures, providing end‑to‑end legal support.
• Interpret and advise on regulatory requirements under the TMK Law, including asset liquidation structures and statutory compliance.
• Draft, review and negotiate documentation related to real estate investments, including trust beneficial interest transactions, financing arrangements, JV agreements, and asset‑level documentation.
• Coordinate due diligence processes and prepare or supervise preparation of related reports.
• Manage multiple workstreams and liaise with overseas offices and cross‑border teams to deliver integrated advice.
• Support business development initiatives and contribute to knowledge sharing within the Real Estate and Capital Markets practices.

• Japan‑qualified Bengoshi with approximately 3–6 years’ post‑qualification experience (PQE) in real estate or structured finance.
• Demonstrated experience in Japanese real estate transactions, including deep familiarity with TMK and GK‑TK investment structures.
• Solid understanding of regulatory frameworks applicable to real estate investment, including the TMK Law.
• Strong drafting skills (Japanese and English) and experience advising global investors.
• Ability to handle technically complex matters with minimal supervision.
• Team‑oriented mindset with strong communication and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Interest in mentoring junior team members and contributing to a collaborative team culture.

Equal opportunities statement

At Clifford Chance, we understand that our true asset is our people. Inclusion is good for our team and their families, our firm and society.

We are committed to treating all employees and applicants fairly and equally regardless of their gender, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, social or economic background, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation, or age.  This applies to recruitment and selection, terms and conditions of employment including pay, promotion, training, transfer and every other aspect of employment.

We have a variety of flourishing employee networks. These networks are a place for colleagues to share experiences and advocate for change wherever they see an opportunity for improvement.

Our goal is to deliver an equality of opportunity, an equality of aspiration and an equality of experience to everyone who works in our firm. 

Find out more about our inclusive culture here