Japan Counsel

At BBH, Partnership is more than a form of ownership—it’s our approach to business and relationships.  We know that supporting your professional and personal goals is the best way to help our clients and advance our business. We take that responsibility seriously. With a 200-year legacy and a shared passion for what’s next, this is the right place to build a fulfilling career.

The Counsel position is a position with Brown Brothers Harriman Investor Services (Japan) Inc. (“BBHISJ”), based in Tokyo, reporting to the US-based Managing Director responsible for Asia Legal.

Responsibilities:

Point of Contact: The Counsel will operate as the Office of General Counsel (“OGC”) point of contact for legal inquiries:

originating from BBHISJ, Brown Brothers Harriman Securities (Japan) Inc. (“BBHSCJ”) and/or their affiliate(s) in the Asia Pacific region (“APAC”), and/or in respect of activities/services performed by the affiliate(s) of BBHISJ or BBHSCJ for APAC clients; 

(BBHISJ, BBHSCJ and/or their affiliates, hereinafter “BBH”).

The Counsel will also be a point of contact for external counsel engagements relating to the aforementioned entities.

The Counsel will elevate matters to his/her OGC manager as appropriate and be sensitive to local issues that might have broader implications for BBH, including the parent company, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.

Regulatory and Legislative Matters: The Counsel will keep abreast of local regulatory and legislative matters and developments as they affect BBH business lines and clients and advise the firm accordingly in support of strategic development, regulatory compliance, legal and risk management and client management.  Regulatory and legislative matters and developments impacting the business and its clients (both existing and proposed) may pertain to governing bodies and laws including, but not limited to:

Financial Instruments and Exchange Law; Banking Act; Money Lending Business Act; Trust Business Act; Trust Act; Act on Investment Trusts and Investment Corporations; Payment Services Act Act on Prevention of Transfer of Criminal Proceeds; Telecommunications Business Act of Japan; Japan Securities Dealers Association rules; Investment Trusts Association rules; and Japan Labor Standards Act

Advisory: The Counsel will be expected to engage proactively as an adviser and to advise on:

activities undertaken by and/or issues relating to BBHISJ and/or BBHSCJ, issues relating to Japanese clients, including those pertaining to services delivered by BBH outside of Japan and supported by BBHISJ and/or BBHSCJ, and matters concerning offshore funds and investment trust management companies; 

with the foregoing activities and/or issues touching on product development, operations, trading, relationship management, sales, marketing, risk and compliance, tax, recordkeeping and regulatory matters; marketing materials, client inquiries and RFPs; BBH agreements (e.g., confidentiality agreements, vendor agreements); and regulatory filings and reporting.

Documentation: The Counsel will be responsible for and/or participate in the drafting, review and/or negotiation of agreements, including but not limited to, internal policies and procedures, intercompany agreements, HR-related documents (such as offer letter, disciplinary letter, separation agreement, resignation confirmation, and employee handbook), confidentiality agreements, vendor agreements, instruction letters, RFPs, and client communications.

General Duties: The Counsel will:

attend BBHISJ and BBHSCJ Board meetings and provide counsel to the Boards; assist the firm’s corporate secretarial function, as needed; cross-train and be cross-trained to assist in supporting 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 accordingly; support firm-wide/departmental initiatives; and perform such other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Qualifications:

• Native level of Japanese (written and spoken) (mother tongue or equivalent) and excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.  Must be 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 activities of banks, investment managers and brokers);
• Knowledge of relevant Japan statutes, rules and regulations;
• Skilled in drafting and presenting written and oral communications and in negotiating complex agreements to completion;
• Attention to detail, accuracy and good follow-through skills necessary;
• Ability to take initiative, assume responsibility, manage multiple priorities, adapt, and marshal resources to achieve results; and
• Ability to work effectively with internal and external constituencies – demonstrating leadership, professionalism, respect and a strong sense of business and legal ethics.

We value diverse experiences. We value diverse experiences and transferrable skillsets. If your career hasn’t followed a traditional path, includes alternative experiences, or doesn’t meet every qualification or skill listed in the job description, please do go ahead and apply.

About BBH:

Brown Brothers Harriman (BBH) is a premier global financial services firm, known for premium service, specialist expertise, technology solutions and partnership approach to client management. Across Investor Services and Capital Partners, we work with an enviable roster of sophisticated clients who make BBH their first call when they are tackling their hardest challenges. Delivering for our clients and each other energizes us.

We believe that how we do our work is just as important as what we do. We are relentless problem solvers who know our best ideas come from collective debate and development—so we are never possessive about our ideas. Every day we come together as a diverse community of smart and caring people to deliver exceptional service and expert advice—creating success that lasts. No matter where you sit in the organization, everyone is empowered to contribute their ideas. BBHers can pick up the phone and call any colleague, and they are happy to help. Expanding your impact beyond your daily role is part of how we operate as trusted partners to one another. 

We believe stability is a competitive advantage, but being stable means having the knowledge, skill, and discipline to evolve, often—pushing the boundaries of innovation.  As a private partnership, every investment we make is in the relationships, technologies, products and development we believe are in the long-term interests of our clients and our people. Our long-tenured leaders are experts in their areas and are actively involved in the day-to day business, taking the time to provide guidance and mentoring to build the next generation of BBHers. Because we know, our success begins with yours.

Go to BBH.com to learn more about our rewards and benefits, philanthropy, approach to sustainability or how we support you to thrive personally, physically and financially.