ClientEarth is a group of international legal experts on climate, energy and the environment. We use the law in partnership with governments, the private sector and the public to address climate change, capture the opportunities of the low carbon transition and protect nature.  

We are working with the search firm Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) for this vacancy. When you click "Apply" on this page you will be redirected to the MLA website, where you can register your details.

This is a unique opportunity for an energy, environmental, corporate, financial and / or litigation Japan-qualified lawyer (bengoshi) with interest in energy and / or environmental law, policy and regulation to make a key contribution to the work of ClientEarth in Japan. The Lawyer will be a founding team member in our new Tokyo office and will participate in using the law creatively and effectively to protect people and the planet.
 
Key responsibilities 

• Conduct analysis and research and deliver high-quality written work-product on energy and environmental law, policy and regulation relevant to the energy transition in Japan, particularly with respect to renewable energy, grid development and fast-tracking the transition to sustainable energy systems
• Participate in shaping and delivering strategy for using energy, environmental, corporate and financial law, policy and regulation in engagement, advocacy and legal interventions to drive climate ambition and action and accelerate the energy transition in Japan
• Participate in legal and judicial capacity building on energy and environmental law, policy and regulation as it applies to climate change (e.g. presentations, training sessions, workshops)
• Working closely with our communications team to produce written and oral communication for a wide variety of legal, business, financial, policy, political, civil society groups and interdisciplinary audiences
• Participating in formal and informal forums and groups and representing ClientEarth’s thinking and work at external forums
• Work closely with the corporate and financial sectors and external stakeholders such as corporates, investors, government, think tanks, and civil society organisations to accelerate Japan’s transition to a net zero economy and strengthen Japan’s climate and environmental policy.
• Identifying opportunities and developing strategies for using energy, environmental, corporate and financial law and regulation to drive climate ambition and action and accelerate the net zero transition in Japan and across Asia, including commissioning legal work and working with local counsel and experts.
• Contributing consistently and meaningfully to team’s monitoring, evaluation and learning activities to support a culture of continuous learning and innovation within ClientEarth.

 Qualifications and Experience

• Member of a Japan bar (qualified as a bengoshi) with a background in one or more of the following fields: energy, environmental, corporate, financial, litigation.
• Experience working in a law firm, in-house department and/or government or regulator in Japan

Knowledge and Interests

• Significant knowledge of Japanese energy and / or environmental law and regulation
• Knowledge of formal and informal relationships, working practices etc. regarding energy and / or environmental issues in government (and private institutions, markets and transactions)
• Strong interest in the intersection of climate change risks and opportunities with energy, environmental, corporate and / or financial decision-making
• Deep understanding of the relevant social and political context in Japan

Skills and competencies

• Fluent (CEFR level C2) level in Japanese
• Business English
• Entrepreneurial and able to take initiative and thrive in a new office and a startup-type environment
• Motivated to achieve results and to spot and take advantage of opportunities to achieve change
• Excellent legal research, analysis, writing, advisory and advocacy skills
• Ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative manner within a multi-disciplinary, multilingual and multicultural environment