Legal Affairs Leader

JAPAN AI is an AI startup established in April 2023 and a group company of Geniee. It develops AI products intended to improve productivity in Japanese companies and researches large language models, including ChatGPT, and generative AI. The legal function supports a growing business facing contracts, labor-related matters, information management, partnerships, M&A, capital and business alliances, and legal issues specific to AI.

Reporting directly to the manager, the Legal Affairs Leader handles daily legal operations and serves as a consultation point for business, human resources, and procurement teams. Responsibilities include advising internal stakeholders, developing and revising company rules, and supporting their operation. The role also builds and operates compliance processes, responds to internal reports, and plans internal education and training.

Additional responsibilities include managing insider information and disclosure procedures, providing the initial response to disputes and litigation, and coordinating and managing external attorneys. The role drives improvements to legal workflows and reviews, drafts, negotiates, and executes contracts. These may include domestic and international outsourcing, SaaS, licensing, and English-language agreements, depending on the organization’s structure.

The position is intended for someone who can work with business divisions and executives from a business perspective, independently advance and coordinate small- to medium-sized projects, prioritize multiple matters, and manage several cases at the same time. Interest in organizing and developing team members is also sought. The role offers experience in applying the company’s AI products to improve work, handling corporate legal affairs and governance at a listed mid-sized venture, executing legal strategy, and developing legal advice and project execution from a business perspective.

At least three years of legal experience in an operating company or at least three years of experience working at a law firm is required. Experience in a corporate legal department, a lawyer’s license or other legal qualification, practical experience with disputes, litigation, claims, or incidents, planning and delivering internal harassment or compliance training, and project management experience are welcomed.

This is a full-time position based at 6F, Shinjuku Oak Tower, Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo. Work is generally office-based, with the possibility of working from home one day per week; this may change depending on circumstances.

The trial period is one month. The selection process consists of document screening, two or three interviews, and an offer; an SPI assessment and reference check are required before the final interview.