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About the Role

At BBH, partnership is central to our business and relationships. We support professional and personal goals to benefit clients and advance our business. With a 200-year legacy, this is a place to build a fulfilling career. The Counsel position is based in Tokyo with Brown Brothers Harriman Investor Services (Japan) Inc. (“BBHISJ”), reporting to the US-based Managing Director for Asia Legal.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Office of General Counsel (“OGC”) point of contact for legal inquiries from BBHISJ, Brown Brothers Harriman Securities (Japan) Inc. (“BBHSCJ”), and/or their Asia Pacific region (“APAC”) affiliates, or for services performed by affiliates for APAC clients.
• Act as a point of contact for external counsel engagements related to BBHISJ, BBHSCJ, and their affiliates.
• Elevate matters to OGC management as appropriate, considering local issues with broader BBH implications.
• Monitor local regulatory and legislative developments affecting BBH business lines and clients.
• Advise the firm on regulatory and legislative matters to support strategic development, regulatory compliance, legal and risk management, and client management.
• Proactively advise on activities and issues related to BBHISJ and/or BBHSCJ.
• Advise on issues concerning Japanese clients, including services delivered by BBH outside Japan and supported by BBHISJ and/or BBHSCJ.
• Provide counsel on matters concerning offshore funds and investment trust management companies, covering product development, operations, trading, relationship management, sales, marketing, risk and compliance, tax, recordkeeping, and regulatory matters.
• Advise on marketing materials, client inquiries, and RFPs.
• Provide counsel on BBH agreements (e.g., confidentiality agreements, vendor agreements).
• Advise on regulatory filings and reporting.
• Draft, review, and/or negotiate agreements, including internal policies and procedures, intercompany agreements, HR-related documents (offer letters, disciplinary letters, separation agreements, resignation confirmations, employee handbooks), confidentiality agreements, vendor agreements, instruction letters, RFPs, and client communications.
• Attend BBHISJ and BBHSCJ Board meetings and provide counsel.
• Assist the firm’s corporate secretarial function as needed.
• Cross-train and be cross-trained to support other legal coverage areas.
• Liaise with, guide, and manage outside counsel to ensure high-quality, business-focused, and risk-conscious legal advice.
• Monitor legal costs and budgets, and review and process legal invoices.
• Support firm-wide/departmental initiatives.
• Perform other assigned duties.

Requirements

• Native level of Japanese (written and spoken) (mother tongue or equivalent).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Fully capable to advise on Japanese law.
• University degree in law from a Japanese or international law school.
• Preferably coupled with a relevant Master of Law degree.
• 7-10 years of experience in-house, law firm, or a combination.
• Experience in the financial services industry, preferably in custody or asset management.
• Excellent knowledge of corporate and financial services activities (including banks, investment managers, and brokers).
• Knowledge of relevant Japan statutes, rules, and regulations.
• Skilled in drafting and presenting written and oral communications.
• Skilled in negotiating complex agreements to completion.
• Attention to detail, accuracy, and good follow-through skills.
• Ability to take initiative, assume responsibility, manage multiple priorities, adapt, and marshal resources to achieve results.
• Ability to work effectively with internal and external constituencies, demonstrating leadership, professionalism, respect, and a strong sense of business and legal ethics.

Skills

• Japanese (native level, written and spoken)
• English (excellent verbal and written communication)
• Japanese law advisory
• Drafting written communications
• Presenting oral communications
• Negotiating complex agreements
• Attention to detail
• Accuracy
• Follow-through
• Initiative
• Responsibility
• Multiple priority management
• Adaptability
• Resource marshaling
• Effective collaboration with internal and external constituencies
• Leadership
• Professionalism
• Respect
• Business ethics
• Legal ethics

Location

• Tokyo, Japan

Experience Level

• 7-10 years of experience

Education Level

• University degree in law
• Master of Law degree (preferred)

About the Company

• Brown Brothers Harriman (BBH) is a premier global financial services firm.
• Known for premium service, specialist expertise, technology solutions, and a partnership approach to client management.
• Works with sophisticated clients across Investor Services and Capital Partners.
• Values collective debate and development for generating best ideas.
• A diverse community of smart and caring people delivering exceptional service and expert advice.
• Empowers all employees to contribute ideas and perspectives.
• Operates as trusted partners, encouraging impact beyond daily roles.
• Believes stability is a competitive advantage, requiring continuous evolution and innovation.
• As a private partnership, investments prioritize the long-term interests of clients and people.
• Long-tenured leaders provide guidance and mentoring to build the next generation of BBHers.
• Has a 200-year legacy.
• Works with leading asset managers, financial institutions, private businesses and their owners, wealthy families, and sophisticated institutional investors.
• Uniquely built to put clients first and create lasting success.

Equal Opportunity

• We value diverse experiences and transferable skillsets.
• Applicants with non-traditional career paths, alternative experiences, or who do not meet every listed qualification are encouraged to apply.