Investment Banking Lawyer (Capital Markets, Mergers & Acquisitions and Lending), Vice President

Location: Tokyo-To, Japan

Job Family: Counsel

About the Role

JP Morgan Chase & Co. is a leading global financial services firm with a storied history of innovation and excellence in investment banking. We are seeking a seasoned Investment Banking Lawyer at the Vice President level to join our dynamic in-house legal team in Tokyo. This role, within the Counsel category, focuses on capital markets, mergers & acquisitions, and lending, supporting complex cross-border transactions in a fast-paced global environment. As part of our Tokyo office, you will play a pivotal role in advising on high-value deals that drive client success and firm growth across Asia-Pacific and beyond. In this position, you will provide expert legal guidance on equity and debt capital markets offerings, navigate intricate M&A negotiations, and structure sophisticated lending arrangements for JP Morgan's institutional clients. Your responsibilities will include drafting key agreements, conducting thorough due diligence, and ensuring compliance with Japanese Financial Services Agency (FSA) regulations as well as international standards like those from the SEC and IOSCO. Collaborating closely with investment bankers, compliance officers, and external counsel, you will mitigate legal risks while fostering innovative solutions in a collaborative, high-stakes setting. This role demands a proactive approach to staying ahead of regulatory changes in the evolving financial landscape. The ideal candidate thrives in JP Morgan's meritocratic culture, bringing deep expertise in financial services law and a passion for cross-border deal-making. You will contribute to business development by offering strategic legal insights that enhance client relationships and support the firm's leadership in global markets. At JP Morgan Chase, we value diversity, inclusion, and professional growth, offering unparalleled opportunities to advance your career while making an impact on landmark transactions that shape the industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise on and structure cross-border capital markets transactions, including equity and debt offerings for JP Morgan Chase clients
• Provide legal support for mergers and acquisitions deals, negotiating terms and ensuring regulatory compliance
• Draft and review lending agreements, syndicated loans, and acquisition finance documentation
• Collaborate with global teams to manage legal risks in high-stakes, fast-paced transactions
• Conduct due diligence on complex international deals involving multiple jurisdictions
• Liaise with external counsel, regulators, and clients to facilitate seamless deal execution
• Stay abreast of evolving laws in Japan and globally impacting investment banking
• Mentor junior legal staff and contribute to firm-wide legal training initiatives
• Support business development by providing legal insights for pitch materials and client meetings

Required Qualifications

• J.D. or equivalent legal qualification with admission to practice law in Japan or a common law jurisdiction
• Minimum of 7-10 years of relevant experience in investment banking law, focusing on capital markets, M&A, and lending
• Proven track record handling complex cross-border transactions in the financial services sector
• Fluency in English and Japanese, with strong legal drafting and negotiation skills in both languages
• Deep knowledge of Japanese financial regulations, including FSA guidelines and securities laws
• Experience working in a global financial institution or top-tier law firm advising on banking deals

Preferred Qualifications

• Admitted to the Tokyo Bar or equivalent Japanese legal practice qualification
• Prior in-house experience at a bulge-bracket investment bank like JP Morgan Chase
• Specialization in structured finance or derivatives within capital markets
• MBA or advanced degree in finance or international business

Required Skills

• Expertise in Japanese and international securities laws
• Proficiency in M&A transaction structuring and documentation
• Strong understanding of lending and syndicated finance regulations
• Excellent legal research and analysis capabilities
• Advanced negotiation and contract drafting skills
• Cross-cultural communication and stakeholder management
• Attention to detail in high-pressure environments
• Project management for multi-jurisdictional deals
• Knowledge of financial modeling basics for legal advisory
• Risk assessment and mitigation in capital markets
• Team collaboration in global, virtual settings
• Adaptability to fast-paced, deadline-driven workflows
• Ethical judgment in confidential financial matters
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and legal tech tools like document management systems

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and performance-based bonus structure aligned with JP Morgan's global standards
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employees and dependents
• Generous retirement savings plan with company matching contributions
• Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and parental leave policies
• Professional development opportunities through JP Morgan's internal training programs and tuition reimbursement
• Wellness programs featuring gym memberships, mental health support, and employee assistance services
• Relocation assistance for international moves to Tokyo, including housing support
• Access to JP Morgan's global employee stock purchase plan and financial planning resources

JP Morgan Chase is an equal opportunity employer.