Japan
Working in Japan
Opened in 1987, the White & Case Tokyo office was the first foreign law firm to have a presence in Japan. Shortly after in 1995, White & Case established a joint enterprise with Japanese-licensed Bengoshi, providing clients with one-stop access to Japanese and global legal services. Since then, we have grown into one of the largest global law firms in the country, using our deep knowledge of the local laws and market to guide our clients through the cultural intricacies of doing cross-border business involving Japan. Key to our success is the breadth of our expertise at local, regional and global levels: A full-service firm, we provide support across the full spectrum of legal matters. Clients also benefit from the diversity of our team, which includes both Bengoshi and internationally qualified lawyers—most of whom speak Japanese and English fluently, and have lived in the country for many years.
In our quest to advance our clients' interests in jurisdictions around the world, we seek to recruit and develop outstanding legal talent. Reflecting our diversity of location and operation, our legal and professional staff are a rich mosaic of nationalities and backgrounds. This is a source of strength, vital to representing our global clients—an exciting mix of multinationals, financial institutions, governments and state-owned entities. Committed to our lawyers' ongoing training and professional development, we always aim to ensure that to balance the needs of the Firm and our clients with those of the individual.
Associate Development Program
The White & Case Associate Development Program is specifically designed to give associates the business and legal skills necessary for them to succeed in a global law firm. At each career level we have developed programs of courses and workshops in both business and practice-specific technical skills, aligned with the competencies that we believe define a successful lawyer.
Practice areas
Our global platform and over 30 years of history in Japan enables us to provide clients with the guidance they need to succeed in today's markets. Our diverse teams bring insight and experience to a wide range of matters, spanning corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, financial transactions and regulation, international trade, projects and energy, antitrust, intellectual property and real estate.
Applying in Japan
Recruiting and developing legal talent are integral to our success and ongoing growth. If you are interested in working in our Tokyo office, please apply online.
Application for prospective of newly qualified Bengoshi (Prospective 77ki class Legal Apprentice) is now closed.
Thank you for all your applications!
Spend time with us in Tokyo during the Summer of 2023!
A great way to obtain first-hand experience of what life is like at White & Case Tokyo is through our summer clerkship program. The program provides an opportunity to play an active part in the life and work of our Tokyo office. During the program, you will work within a number of practice groups alongside lawyers. You will also be able to take part in the Tokyo office's formal training sessions and workshops. You will receive continued support and feedback throughout the program.
In addition, we understand the importance of building your network. There will be opportunities for you to socialize with our partners and associates during your summer placement.
For International Law School Students:
Our ten-week US Summer Associate Program in Tokyo is now closed.
For Japanese Law School Students and 4th Year Undergraduate Students majoring in law:
Application for Tokyo Summer Clerkship Program for future prospective Bengoshi is now closed.
Thank you for your interest!
A great way to obtain first-hand experience of what life is like at White & Case Tokyo, is through our ten-week Summer Associate Program.
Our Summer Associate Program provides an opportunity to play an active part in our Tokyo office. During the program, summer associates will work within a number of practice groups alongside our diverse and globally minded lawyers. We will also provide formal training sessions and workshops.
We recognise the importance of the social side of Firm life, as such, there with be plenty of opportunities for summer associates to participate in social events and activities to get to know our small and engaged team.
Applications are open between: 20 November 2023 – 28 January 2024
Please click here to apply!
The 2024 Tokyo Summer Associate Program will run for ten-weeks, over May – July 2024.
For any student queries regarding the Tokyo Summer Associate Program, please contact our team at graduaterecruitment.apac@whitecase.com.
If you're interested in applying for our 2024 Tokyo Summer Associate Program, please contact our APAC Early Careers Team (graduaterecruitment.apac@whitecase.com) for access to our recent webinar where you can learn more about our Tokyo offering and program details.
Accolades
Band 1 for Banking & Finance: Domestic, Japan
Band 1 for Banking & Finance: International, Japan
Chambers Global 2022 and Chambers Asia-Pacific 2023
Band 1 for International Trade, Japan
Chambers Global 2023 and Chambers Asia-Pacific 2023
Band 1 for International & Cross-Border Capabilities (International Firm), Japan
Chambers Global 2023
Tier 1 in Antitrust and Competition, Japan Region
Tier 1 in Banking and Finance, Japan Region
Tier 1 in Corporate and M&A, Japan Region
Tier 1 in Projects and Energy, Japan Region
Tier 1 in Real Estate and Construction, Japan Region
The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2023
Japan International Law Advisers of the Year
Chambers Asia Pacific & Greater China Region Awards 2022
Technology, Media & Telecom M&A Legal Adviser of the Year
Mergermarket Japan M&A Awards 2022
One of ALB Top 10 Firms in Japan for cross border M&A
Asian Legal Business (ALB), 2022
One of 10 outstanding law firms for D&I in Japan
ALB Japan D&I List 2022