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Assistant Legal Manager - Job Opportunity at MITSUBISHI CORPORATION

Singapore, SG
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: July 21, 2025
On-site
SGD 5,500 - 7,500 per month

Key Responsibilities

Provide comprehensive legal advisory services across 13 Asia-Oceania countries, directly impacting regional business operations and risk management strategies for one of Japan's largest trading companies
Lead contract negotiations and drafting for complex commercial agreements including ISDA Master Agreements, charterparties, and cross-border transactions, ensuring optimal deal structures and risk mitigation
Conduct high-stakes legal research and deliver strategic counsel on multi-jurisdictional matters spanning corporate, commercial, labor, and regulatory compliance issues
Manage critical legal disputes and claims resolution, protecting corporate interests and maintaining business relationships across diverse Asian markets
Direct internal compliance investigations and prepare executive-level reports in Japanese for Tokyo headquarters, influencing corporate governance decisions
Design and deliver legal training programs to regional offices, building organizational legal capacity and ensuring consistent compliance standards
Maintain strategic intelligence on regulatory changes across Asian markets, providing early warning systems for business adaptation
Establish and manage relationships with premier law firms across the region, optimizing legal service delivery and cost management
Collaborate directly with C-suite executives and Tokyo headquarters on mission-critical legal, compliance, and CSR initiatives

Requirements

Education

Minimum Bachelor's Degree in Legal Studies or equivalent

Experience

More than 2-year experience in abovementioned requirements

Required Skills

Basic knowledge on companies law, commercial law, labor law, insolvency law, competition law and anti-bribery law under English and/or US laws High proficiency in English language and Japanese language (JLPT Level N1 or ability to speak, read and write at business level) to communicate effectively through phone calls, emails and/or meetings Skills to create and present materials both in Japanese and English to communicate effectively with counterparties
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The legal profession in Asia-Pacific is experiencing unprecedented demand for bilingual legal professionals as Japanese corporations expand their regional presence, with particular emphasis on ESG compliance and cross-border transaction expertise. This trend is driven by Japan's strategic pivot to Southeast Asia amid evolving US-China trade dynamics. Multi-jurisdictional legal expertise is becoming increasingly valuable as ASEAN economic integration deepens, requiring legal professionals who can navigate complex regulatory frameworks across multiple countries simultaneously. The CPTPP and RCEP trade agreements have created new compliance requirements that drive demand for experienced regional legal managers. Corporate legal departments are increasingly focusing on proactive compliance management rather than reactive legal services, with emphasis on internal investigation capabilities and real-time regulatory monitoring across multiple jurisdictions. This shift reflects growing regulatory scrutiny and the need for sophisticated compliance infrastructure in multinational operations.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of SGD 5,500-7,500 monthly (approximately USD 49,000-66,000 annually) is positioned at the lower end of the market for this level of responsibility in Singapore. Comparable roles with similar multi-jurisdictional scope and language requirements typically command SGD 8,000-12,000 monthly, suggesting either room for rapid progression or additional undisclosed compensation components.

Role Significance

This role likely oversees a lean legal team of 2-4 professionals while coordinating with a broader network of 15-20 legal and compliance staff across regional offices. The position serves as a critical liaison between Tokyo headquarters legal department (estimated 30-50 lawyers) and regional operations, managing relationships with external counsel across multiple jurisdictions.
This Assistant Legal Manager position operates at a strategic level despite the "Assistant" title, functioning as a regional legal counsel with significant autonomy and direct reporting to senior executives. The role encompasses decision-making authority across 13 countries and requires independent judgment on complex legal matters, indicating substantial organizational trust and responsibility.

Key Projects

Cross-border M&A transactions involving regional subsidiaries and joint ventures, requiring coordination between multiple legal systems and regulatory approvals across ASEAN markets Implementation of comprehensive compliance programs addressing anti-bribery, data protection, and export control regulations across diverse regulatory environments Management of complex commercial disputes involving international arbitration, multi-jurisdictional enforcement, and stakeholder coordination across different time zones and legal systems

Success Factors

Exceptional cultural intelligence and communication skills to bridge Japanese corporate culture with diverse Asian business environments, requiring deep understanding of both hierarchical Japanese decision-making processes and relationship-based business practices across Southeast Asia Proactive regulatory monitoring and risk assessment capabilities to anticipate legal challenges before they impact business operations, including the ability to synthesize complex legal information into actionable business recommendations for senior executives Strong project management and coordination skills to manage multiple complex legal matters simultaneously across different time zones, legal systems, and cultural contexts while maintaining quality and meeting tight deadlines Strategic thinking ability to align legal advice with broader business objectives and regional expansion strategies, understanding how legal decisions impact commercial relationships and market positioning

Market Demand

High demand exists for bilingual legal professionals with Japanese language proficiency and multi-jurisdictional expertise in Singapore's market. The specific combination of English/US law knowledge, native-level Japanese proficiency, and regional Asia-Pacific experience creates a relatively small talent pool, giving qualified candidates significant leverage in salary negotiations.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Native-level Japanese proficiency (JLPT N1) is absolutely essential as this role requires preparation of detailed reports for Tokyo headquarters and participation in strategic discussions where nuanced understanding of Japanese business language and cultural context can impact major business decisions Multi-jurisdictional legal expertise across common law and civil law systems is critical for navigating the complex regulatory landscape of 13 different countries, each with unique legal requirements and business practices that affect transaction structuring and compliance strategies Cross-cultural communication and relationship management skills are vital for success, as the role requires building trust and maintaining effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders including Japanese executives, local government officials, and international business partners

Beneficial Skills

Advanced knowledge of ESG regulations and sustainability reporting frameworks is increasingly valuable as Mitsubishi Corporation and other Japanese multinationals face growing pressure from investors and regulators to demonstrate environmental and social responsibility Experience with international arbitration and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms would be highly beneficial given the complex cross-border nature of disputes that may arise from regional operations and the preference for maintaining business relationships while resolving conflicts Understanding of digital transformation and data privacy regulations across Asian markets is becoming increasingly important as traditional trading companies adopt new technologies and face evolving regulatory requirements around data protection and cybersecurity

Unique Aspects

This role offers rare exposure to the strategic decision-making processes of one of Japan's most influential multinational corporations, providing insights into how traditional Japanese business practices adapt to modern global markets and regulatory environments
The position provides comprehensive experience across virtually all areas of commercial law within a single role, from complex financial derivatives (ISDA agreements) to employment law, offering accelerated professional development typically requiring multiple positions elsewhere
Direct involvement in Tokyo headquarters strategic planning and regional expansion decisions offers unique insights into Japanese corporate governance and long-term business planning methodologies that are highly valued in Asia-Pacific markets

Career Growth

Progression to senior regional roles typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing candidates, with advancement dependent on successful management of major transactions, compliance program implementation, and demonstration of strategic business partnership capabilities.

Potential Next Roles

Regional Legal Director or General Counsel for Asia-Pacific operations within Mitsubishi Corporation, potentially managing a team of 8-12 legal professionals across multiple countries Senior Legal Counsel positions at other major Japanese multinational corporations (trading houses, manufacturing companies, or financial institutions) with regional responsibilities Partnership track positions at international law firms specializing in Japan-Asia cross-border transactions, leveraging deep understanding of Japanese business culture and regional legal expertise

Company Overview

MITSUBISHI CORPORATION

Mitsubishi Corporation stands as one of Japan's oldest and most prestigious sogo shosha (general trading companies), with origins dating to 1954 and historical roots extending to the 19th century Mitsubishi zaibatsu. The company operates as a global integrated business enterprise with investments and operations spanning energy, metals, machinery, chemicals, and food sectors across more than 90 countries.

As one of Japan's largest trading companies by revenue (consistently ranking in Fortune Global 500), Mitsubishi Corporation maintains dominant market positions in natural resources trading, infrastructure development, and industrial investments throughout Asia-Pacific. The company's financial strength and government relationships provide significant competitive advantages in large-scale international projects.
Singapore serves as Mitsubishi Corporation's strategic headquarters for Southeast Asian operations, coordinating activities across 13 countries in the region with particular strength in natural resources, infrastructure development, and industrial partnerships. The location positions the role at the center of Japan's economic engagement with ASEAN markets, handling legal matters for billions of dollars in regional investments.
Mitsubishi Corporation maintains traditional Japanese corporate values emphasizing long-term relationships, consensus-building, and meticulous attention to detail, combined with international business practices adapted for diverse Asian markets. The work environment typically involves extensive cross-cultural collaboration, formal reporting structures, and high expectations for professional development and cultural sensitivity.
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