“In light of the global covid-19 situation, finding a job in a jurisdiction other than my own was a challenging process. However, Paul took on the challenge valiantly and continued searching for suitable opportunities for me even when the countries (including my own, Singapore) began to go into lockdown. In spite of such odds, Paul persevered and managed to arrange for interviews with a top Japanese firm for me. Throughout the process from the interviews to the acceptance of the offer, Paul was always ready to answer any questions I had about the hiring process, and was always quick to follow up after each interview. In all, Paul has clearly shown himself to be an invaluable support for anyone seeking for legal opportunities across borders. Thank you!”
With legal & compliance search experience of more than 20 years, and the largest team in Japan, no one knows Japan's legal market better than us. We are a specialized team working together and we want to get to know the real you - not just your resume - and provide genuine, personalized service to help develop your career.
Our Areas of Expertise
Private Practice (Bengoshi, Attorneys, Support Professionals)
The Tokyo private practice market continues to change. International firms are more specialized than a decade ago, and under increased pressure from home offices to be profitable. Local firms are feeling the stress of growing costs, and a shrinking domestic market forcing them to become more profit-focused and business savvy. As a result the Japanese legal market has reached a point of maturity where only the best-run practices and sharpest minds that serve the ever-changing needs of their clients with increased efficiency will survive.
Just Legal has had more success in and has more knowledge of Tokyo’s private practice world than anyone else and we are best served to guide you through the market. Please contact:
Compliance, Regulatory and Corporate Governance
This ever-growing field is becoming the cornerstone of financial and corporate viability. Compliance overseas everything these days and regulatory restrictions are unlikely to be relaxed any time soon.
The market is experiencing a constant shortage of qualified candidates, and therefore compliance professionals who seeking a change should consult with a market expert who can add value to their search.
To understand the market today through the longest serving compliance recruitment team in Japan please contact:
In-house Corporate – Bengoshi and Foreign Qualified Lawyers
In-house searches for multinationals and Japanese corporates continue to keep us busy, with companies across a range of industries still looking to increase the size of their legal departments, including many companies hiring in-house counsel for the first time.
Our track record in placing lawyers – Japanese and foreign-qualified – in-house is extensive and growing, and we have close to over a decade of success across every industry -- technology, manufacturing, life sciences, retail, and professional services.
As the largest legal recruitment team in Japan, our size enables us to present numerous options to individuals and multiple relevant and ready candidates for mission critical roles after and more effectively than anyone else in the market.
The size of our team enables us to present numerous options to job seekers. To maximize your in-house career, contact:
In-house Financial Services (Banking & Finance, Insurance, Funds, Real Estate Finance, more)
While the banking and finance market has decreased in size over the past decade, it remains an important one, and when a bank or financial institution needs to hire a lawyer they come to us for our knowledge of the market and the best professionals in it.
No one knows the Tokyo in-house banking and finance market better than we do, and many of our finance searches are exclusive to Just Legal. As a lawyer, having Just Legal represent you often means that you have access to opportunities that no other agent does.
If you have the skills, personality and experience to work in banking and finance in Tokyo, do yourself a favor and contact us, and let us help you find the right place to excel in your career. Contact:
How we work
Direct Connections
We have direct access to CEOs and heads of HR and Legal across multiple industries.
Long-Term Relations
We will be here to help and advise you at every step of your career.
Honest Consulting
We will give you straightforward advice to advance your position and avoid pitfalls.
Market Insight
We draw on superior industry experience and familiarity with specific companies and managers.
Latest Career Advice from Justy
Advice on legal career moves from Justy, our "Legal Beagle" advisor
リファレンス チェック 
15/03/2021
Justyさん 転職の際リファレンスチェックがあると聞いたことがあります。上司やクライアントに働きぶりを確認する作業とのことですが、どの段階で行われるのでしょうか。 転職希望弁護士 転職希望弁護士様 ご質問ありがとうございます。リファレンスチェックのタイミングは様々です。多くの場合はオファーを受諾した後に行われますが、部長職... read more
インハウス：何回転職する？
08/03/2021
Justyさん 9年目の弁護士です。事務所でパートナーになることを目指していますが、リスク管理の一環としてインハウスについて知っておきたいと思っています。一旦インハウスに入ると転職を続ける方が多いように見受けますが、一社に長く勤めることは基本的に想定されていないのでしょうか。 シニアソベン シニアソベン様 ご質問ありがとうご... read more
We'd love your Feedback please
Have you worked with us before?
Submit feedback
By Anonymous
“きめ細かで迅速なチーム対応で、大変心強かったです。悩みに対してもいつも的確な助言をいただき、こういった点でも法務専門のエージェントさんならではの強みを感じました。本当にありがとうございました。”
By F
“Lio-san was great help for me. He provided me with many opportunities and even he contacted many companies for possible positions. Even in the COVID-mess situation, he brought a good position to me, which ended up with successful offer. He was kind and reliable as my agent, sometimes being honest, which was important to correctly understand my situation.
Overall, I am very satisfied with the Just Legal’s service. Thank you!”
By A.N.
“I was able to get a better company’s job than I initially thought. It’s thanks to you and Lio. I really appreciate all of you!”
By Mik
“Was approached by multiple agents from Just Legal and I felt that they were working together in securing a job for me in competing against other recruiting firms. It gave me assurance that I was well looked after was given many great opportunities in a short time. Highly appreciated their joint effort.”
By Ocean Eyes
“Paul was a fantastic recruiter. He was attentive, thoughtful and carefully listened to and understood my needs. He also understands somewhat technical matters such as conditions on your practicing certificate very well, which is another aspect that makes him a great legal recruiter.
Before I obtained my current position with the help of Paul, I was contacted by several agents, including those from well-known global recruitment agencies, but opportunities he introduced to me always had more merits, and I felt that he took a genuine interest in my future career more than anyone else.
I recommend Paul and the Just Legal team to anyone who is interested in getting into the legal industry in Japan.”
By Solicitor
“They were very helpful and efficient. They carefully chose employers and gave me a honest opinion as to which employer is suitable for my career paths and that was very helpful.”
By Mcop
“I was very fortunate to have Paul as my agent upon my transition to private practice. He accurately identified my strengths and preferences, and provided sound, tailored advice throughout the interview process that ultimately led to an offer from the employer of my preference.
I really enjoyed working through him and would strongly recommend him for legal job searches.”
By KBR
“Paul Cochrane helped me secure a great role within a fantastic firm. Paul took the time to build a relationship with me so when I was ready to make a move, he presented me with a list of amazing options that cater to my goals. Paul also knew the ins and outs of the Tokyo legal market. His insights and advice really helped me strategize my interview process. I will not hesitate to pass on his details to any of my friends who need a worthy recruiter.”
By Candidate
“Lio had a good grasp of what the client wants and does his homework thoroughly. His advice is accurate, appropriate and proactive. It was a pleasure working through him.”
By TKN
“My agent, Yuki, really went an extra mile in helping me land a new job. Very nice guy and committed to searching for ideal jobs. As a result, the interview process went smoothly and I had no problem at all. Clearly, his facilitation skills and ability to liaison with firms were at a professional level. I would definitely like to come across this agency when I will be searching for a new job in the future.”
By cwa
“I have never had such a fantastic experience with a recruitment firm before. The team here is with you from start to finish. They truly care about helping people find placements that fit their needs and career goals, and support you through every single step of the process. I highly recommend Just Legal for anyone in the legal field looking for a new position here in Japan.”
By US Attorney in Tokyo
“This is definitely the best recruiter team in Tokyo. Paul, Tim, James, Suzuki san, everyone is very professional and helpful. They understand the employer and candidate’s needs very well. l I really enjoyed working with them. My friend recommended them to me and I feel very comfortable introducing them to any of my friends.”
By Seattle Walker
“I have been working as a foreign lawyer in Tokyo for over eight years, during which time I have met over a dozen legal recruiters serving the Japanese market. James Graham, Paul Cochrane and the Just Legal team have by far the best understanding of the Japanese legal market and the unique needs of employers and candidates in such market. While many Tokyo legal recruiters do little more than act as a post box for resumes/job descriptions, the Just Legal team is able to tap into its extensive network and unparalleled knowledge of the Japanese legal market to find the right lawyer for the right role. If you are looking to use a legal recruiter in Japan, they should be at the top of your list.”
By Akasaka Attorney
“In light of the global covid-19 situation, finding a job in a jurisdiction other than my own was a challenging process. However, Paul took on the challenge valiantly and continued searching for suitable opportunities for me even when the countries (including my own, Singapore) began to go into lockdown. In spite of such odds, Paul persevered and managed to arrange for interviews with a top Japanese firm for me. Throughout the process from the interviews to the acceptance of the offer, Paul was always ready to answer any questions I had about the hiring process, and was always quick to follow up after each interview. In all, Paul has clearly shown himself to be an invaluable support for anyone seeking for legal opportunities across borders. Thank you!”
By Anonymous
“きめ細かで迅速なチーム対応で、大変心強かったです。悩みに対してもいつも的確な助言をいただき、こういった点でも法務専門のエージェントさんならではの強みを感じました。本当にありがとうございました。”
By F
“Lio-san was great help for me. He provided me with many opportunities and even he contacted many companies for possible positions. Even in the COVID-mess situation, he brought a good position to me, which ended up with successful offer. He was kind and reliable as my agent, sometimes being honest, which was important to correctly understand my situation.
Overall, I am very satisfied with the Just Legal’s service. Thank you!”
By A.N.
“I was able to get a better company’s job than I initially thought. It’s thanks to you and Lio. I really appreciate all of you!”
By Mik
“Was approached by multiple agents from Just Legal and I felt that they were working together in securing a job for me in competing against other recruiting firms. It gave me assurance that I was well looked after was given many great opportunities in a short time. Highly appreciated their joint effort.”
By Ocean Eyes
“Paul was a fantastic recruiter. He was attentive, thoughtful and carefully listened to and understood my needs. He also understands somewhat technical matters such as conditions on your practicing certificate very well, which is another aspect that makes him a great legal recruiter.
Before I obtained my current position with the help of Paul, I was contacted by several agents, including those from well-known global recruitment agencies, but opportunities he introduced to me always had more merits, and I felt that he took a genuine interest in my future career more than anyone else.
I recommend Paul and the Just Legal team to anyone who is interested in getting into the legal industry in Japan.”
By Solicitor
“They were very helpful and efficient. They carefully chose employers and gave me a honest opinion as to which employer is suitable for my career paths and that was very helpful.”
By Mcop
“I was very fortunate to have Paul as my agent upon my transition to private practice. He accurately identified my strengths and preferences, and provided sound, tailored advice throughout the interview process that ultimately led to an offer from the employer of my preference.
I really enjoyed working through him and would strongly recommend him for legal job searches.”
By KBR
“Paul Cochrane helped me secure a great role within a fantastic firm. Paul took the time to build a relationship with me so when I was ready to make a move, he presented me with a list of amazing options that cater to my goals. Paul also knew the ins and outs of the Tokyo legal market. His insights and advice really helped me strategize my interview process. I will not hesitate to pass on his details to any of my friends who need a worthy recruiter.”
By Candidate
“Lio had a good grasp of what the client wants and does his homework thoroughly. His advice is accurate, appropriate and proactive. It was a pleasure working through him.”
By TKN
“My agent, Yuki, really went an extra mile in helping me land a new job. Very nice guy and committed to searching for ideal jobs. As a result, the interview process went smoothly and I had no problem at all. Clearly, his facilitation skills and ability to liaison with firms were at a professional level. I would definitely like to come across this agency when I will be searching for a new job in the future.”
By cwa
“I have never had such a fantastic experience with a recruitment firm before. The team here is with you from start to finish. They truly care about helping people find placements that fit their needs and career goals, and support you through every single step of the process. I highly recommend Just Legal for anyone in the legal field looking for a new position here in Japan.”
By US Attorney in Tokyo
“This is definitely the best recruiter team in Tokyo. Paul, Tim, James, Suzuki san, everyone is very professional and helpful. They understand the employer and candidate’s needs very well. l I really enjoyed working with them. My friend recommended them to me and I feel very comfortable introducing them to any of my friends.”
By Seattle Walker
“I have been working as a foreign lawyer in Tokyo for over eight years, during which time I have met over a dozen legal recruiters serving the Japanese market. James Graham, Paul Cochrane and the Just Legal team have by far the best understanding of the Japanese legal market and the unique needs of employers and candidates in such market. While many Tokyo legal recruiters do little more than act as a post box for resumes/job descriptions, the Just Legal team is able to tap into its extensive network and unparalleled knowledge of the Japanese legal market to find the right lawyer for the right role. If you are looking to use a legal recruiter in Japan, they should be at the top of your list.”
By Akasaka Attorney
Call or email us now to find out how we can help your career.