About Nike

Nike, the world's leading sports and lifestyle brand, empowers athletes and innovators through groundbreaking products, marketing, and experiences. Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike operates globally, including a strong presence in Japan. With iconic brands like Nike, Jordan, and Converse, the company drives innovation in footwear, apparel, and equipment. Nike's Legal team plays a pivotal role in enabling business growth while navigating complex legal landscapes across regions. In Japan, Nike thrives in the dynamic consumer goods market, focusing on retail, digital commerce, and sports marketing.

Role Overview

The Assistant General Counsel, Japan position at Nike in Tokyo is a senior legal role reporting to the Director, Japan Legal. As part of Nike's global Legal team, you'll provide strategic counsel to business functions across Japan. This role demands deep expertise in Japanese commercial law, consumer protection, advertisement regulations, and competition law. You'll collaborate with cross-functional partners, oversee outside counsel when needed, and contribute to high-impact projects like strategic partnerships and supply chain agreements. Ideal for seasoned lawyers seeking to blend legal acumen with business savvy in a fast-paced, innovative environment.

Key Responsibilities

In this critical role, you'll enable Nike's Japan operations by delivering practical legal guidance. Key duties include:

• Advising on day-to-day commercial matters, transactions, and business projects to support sales, distribution, and marketing.
• Drafting and negotiating complex contracts, such as strategic partnerships, creative services agreements, endorsement deals, licensing, sales and distribution agreements, store development, and supply chain contracts.
• Identifying and resolving a wide range of legal issues involving consumers, partners, vendors, products, and services.
• Collaborating with Global, Asia Pacific Latin America (APLA), and Japan Legal teams to improve legal service quality, efficiency, and operations.
• Developing and delivering training programs to enhance business results and mitigate risks.

Daily Impact

Expect to build trusted relationships with stakeholders, provide clear communication in Japanese and English, and manage multiple priorities with a bias for action. Your work directly supports Nike's pursuit of excellence in Japan's competitive market.

Qualifications & Requirements

Nike seeks candidates who combine legal depth with a collaborative spirit. Essential qualifications include:

• Minimum 8-9 years of experience in a law firm or as in-house counsel; multinational enterprise experience preferred.
• Juris Doctorate degree or equivalent, with active license to practice law in Japan and/or another jurisdiction.
• Substantive expertise in commercial law, consumer and advertisement law, competition law, and legal matters related to supply, distribution, sales, and marketing of consumer goods in Japan.
• Proven ability to draft and negotiate complex contracts and transactions.
• Strong bilingual skills in Japanese and English, both oral and written.
• Experience in sports marketing, labor law, corporate governance, or digital commerce is a plus.

Success requires resolving complex issues effectively, communicating succinctly to diverse audiences, and thriving in a global, fast-paced setting.

Benefits & Perks

Joining Nike offers unparalleled rewards:

• Competitive salary estimated at $120,000-$180,000 USD annually, reflecting Japan market rates with upside buffer.
• Dynamic work culture emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
• Global exposure within Nike's Legal team across APLA and worldwide.
• Professional development through training, mentorship, and high-visibility projects.
• Comprehensive perks including health benefits, employee discounts on Nike products, and wellness programs.
• Prime Tokyo location fostering work-life balance in a vibrant city.

Career Growth

This role positions you for advancement within Nike's prestigious Legal Department. Gain exposure to multinational transactions, sports marketing deals, and digital innovations. High performers often progress to Director-level roles or broader regional responsibilities. Nike invests in talent through leadership programs, cross-functional rotations, and global networking opportunities, ensuring long-term career trajectory in a company that values relentless pursuit of potential.

Why Join Us

At Nike Japan, you'll be part of a team that doesn't just advise— it enables victory. Work on cutting-edge deals in sports marketing and consumer goods, surrounded by passionate professionals. Nike's culture rewards bold thinkers who deliver practical solutions. In Tokyo's hub, contribute to a brand that inspires millions, while enjoying the prestige of in-house counsel at a global icon. This is your chance to make an impact where law meets innovation.

Role FAQs

What experience level is required?

Minimum 8-9 years in law firm or in-house roles, with Japan-specific legal expertise.

Is Japanese fluency mandatory?

Yes, effective communication in Japanese and English is essential.

What types of contracts will I handle?

Strategic partnerships, endorsements, licensing, distribution, and supply chain agreements.

Is outside counsel management involved?

Occasionally, you'll oversee external counsel.

How does this role fit into Nike's global structure?

Reports to Japan Legal Director, collaborates with Global and APLA teams.

Ready to elevate your legal career? Apply for Assistant General Counsel, Japan at Nike today.