Bengoshi Associate, Real Estate practice, Tokyo

Job Description

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.

Qualifications

• 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