Legal Counsel, Japan

Overview
Our client is a leading international renewable energy company with a strong presence across the Asia-Pacific region. The organization develops, owns, and operates renewable energy assets including solar, wind, and energy storage projects, supporting the global energy transition through sustainable and innovative solutions.

As part of its continued growth in Japan, the company is seeking a Legal Counsel to provide legal and regulatory support across project development, construction, operations, financing, and M&A activities within the renewable energy sector.

Key Responsibilities

Renewable Energy Project Development & Regulatory Support

• Provide legal advice on renewable energy projects, including solar, onshore wind, and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) developments.
• Support the incorporation and structuring of project entities and special purpose vehicles (SPVs), including TKGK structures.
• Advise on regulatory requirements, permits, licenses, Feed-in Premium (FIP) applications, and other notifications related to renewable energy projects.
• Monitor and interpret developments in Japan’s renewable energy regulatory framework.

Commercial Contracts & Project Documentation

• Draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements in both English and Japanese, including:
  • Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
  • Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Contracts
  • Joint Development Agreements
  • Development Services Agreements
  • Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
  • Corporate Guarantees
  • Sales and Purchase Agreements
  • Other project-related contracts and legal documentation
• Provide legal support during tender processes, consortium arrangements, and strategic partnerships.

Corporate & General Legal Advisory

• Advise internal stakeholders on a wide range of legal matters including:
  • Corporate governance and statutory compliance
  • Capital injections and shareholder loans
  • Procurement and commercial matters
  • Employment-related issues
  • Data protection and privacy
  • Insurance, sustainability, and community matters
  • Dispute management and risk mitigation

M&A and Investment Transactions

• Support acquisitions, joint ventures, and investment transactions within Japan.
• Assist with transaction structuring, legal due diligence, and negotiation of transaction documents.
• Coordinate signing, closing, and post-closing activities.
• Advise on foreign investment regulations and filings, including FEFTA, METI, BOJ reporting, and other regulatory approvals.

Stakeholder Management

• Partner closely with business development, finance, engineering, procurement, asset management, operations, and external legal advisors.
• Identify and proactively manage legal and compliance risks across the business.
• Promote legal awareness and compliance throughout the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B. or equivalent) from a reputable university.
• Qualified Japanese Attorney (Bengoshi).
• 3–5 years of relevant legal experience within the energy, infrastructure, or renewable energy sector.
• Experience supporting renewable energy projects, project finance, infrastructure transactions, or regulatory matters.
• Prior in-house legal experience is preferred but not essential.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills in both English and Japanese.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and international environment.