Legal counsel

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Date: Apr 26, 2026

Location: Tokyo, JP, 104-0061

Company: sthreemana

SThree is the global STEM-specialist talent partner that connects sought-after specialists in life sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics with innovative organisations across the world. We are the number one destination for talent in the best STEM markets: Recruiting highly skilled professionals and discovering life-changing jobs for the unsung heroes who will positively shape our future. Elevating expertise and energising progress for everyone.
Operating through a global house of specialist recruitment brands we know how to achieve the goals of STEM professionals seeking both permanent and contract work and understand the organisations who need them. The world is changing. And the people who change the world work with us.

Role Summary

At SThree, we are hiring a Legal Counsel to provide guidance and strategic legal advice to the business. This role focuses on structuring current and future business models (both domestic and international) within the regulatory framework, while identifying commercial opportunities and mitigating risks. You will work closely with consultants, business managers, and the global legal team to translate business needs into compliant, efficient, and practical legal solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Contracting: Review, draft, and advise on:

    • Commercial contracts
    • Employment-related contracts (Permanent, Haken, and Gyomu Itaku)

Training: Deliver training sessions to consultants and managers on new legislation and legal developments

Guidance: Provide legal and compliance advice to the business across a variety of matters

Collaboration:

      • Partner with local stakeholders and global legal teams (Risk, Integrity, Data Protection, Company Secretary)
      • Conduct ad hoc legal research and translation work

What SThree Offers

  • Structured training & development program
  • Clear career progression framework
  • Opportunities for global mobility
  • Collaborative global legal environment
  • Flexible working arrangements
  • Exposure to international business and cross-border legal work
  • Incentives and recognition programs

Core Competencies

  • Strong ability to analyse and interpret commercial and employment contracts
  • Experience drafting contracts and advising on terms and conditions
  • Ability to balance commercial objectives with legal and compliance requirements
  • Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
  • Excellent prioritisation, ownership, and communication skills
  • Bilingual communication ability (Japanese & English)
  • Personality traits: resilient, resourceful, and solution-oriented

Qualifications 

  • University degree in Japanese law
  • 2–6 years of relevant experience as legal counsel or lawyer
  • Native-level Japanese and business-level English proficiency

 

What we stand for...

We're committed to ensuring for our colleagues, candidates and communities, that all processes are equitable, and everyone is treated with fairness and dignity where everyone belongs, is valued and is connected.

We create community and deliver change that transforms the future for everyone. With this in mind, we're committed to ensuring for our colleagues, candidates and communities, that all processes are equitable and everyone is treated with fairness and dignity where everyone belongs, is valued and is connected.

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from everyone.  If you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments in submitting your application and through the hiring process, please let us know, and we'll be happy to help.