Legal Counsel
🏡 Where you'll fit in
We are looking for a qualified lawyer to join our Legal team in Japan, supporting our rapidly growing business across the region. This is a broad, high-impact role where no two days are the same - you’ll work across commercial, technology, and general corporate matters while partnering closely with business teams.
You will act as a key legal point of contact in Japan, operating with a high degree of autonomy while staying closely aligned with our global legal team.
🚀 What you’ll own
Lead negotiation and drafting of commercial agreements, including SaaS, licensing, and partnership contracts.
Provide legal support across a wide range of areas including IP, data protection, employment, procurement, etc.
Support expansion in Japan, including regulatory, corporate, and operational matters.
Partner with cross-functional teams (product, sales, operations) to provide pragmatic, business-oriented legal advice.
Assist with strategic transactions, including partnerships and potential M&A activity.
Manage external counsel where needed and drive efficient legal processes.
🧠 What you bring to the party
Qualified lawyer in Japan with ability to advise on Japanese law.
Fluency in both Japanese and English (written and spoken).
Strong experience in commercial law, ideally including SaaS, technology, or licensing agreements.
Ability to work independently across a wide range of legal areas (IP, commercial, procurement, employment, etc.).
In-house or equivalent experience in a fast-paced, international environment.
Practical, solutions-oriented mindset with strong stakeholder management skills.
Comfortable operating as a sole or primary counsel in the country.
Why Join Us?
Skills
As published by lever · 6 questions · 3 written answers
Basics
Resume/CV, Full name, Pronouns, Email, Phone, Current location, Current company, LinkedIn URL, Twitter URL, GitHub URL, Portfolio URL, Other website, What gender do you identify as?
Pick from a list (3)
- Do you have the right to work in Japan? If you are on a visa, please let us know which one. (Sorry but we're not able to sponsor visas at the moment)
- If yes, what visa do you hold? optional
- This role requires you to be based in the Greater Tokyo Area (e.g. Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba or Saitama) and able to commute to the office. Are you currently based in, or willing to relocate to, this area? optional
Written answers (3)
- If you've selected - I'm willing and able to relocate to the Greater Tokyo Area, please share your expected relocation timeframe. optional
- Please describe your proficiency level of English and Japanese (e.g Native, N1,N2) language.
- Why do you want to be a part of Kraken? (We actually read this – promise! We’re not looking for AI answers – we’re keen to hear why you’re interested in Kraken, what gets you excited about what we do, and why you think you’d be a great fit!)