Assistant General Counsel, Japan

Become a Part of the NIKE, Inc. Team

NIKE, Inc. does more than outfit the world’s best athletes. It is a place to explore potential, obliterate boundaries and push out the edges of what can be. The company looks for people who can grow, think, dream and create. Its culture thrives by embracing diversity and rewarding imagination. The brand seeks achievers, leaders and visionaries. At NIKE, Inc. it’s about each person bringing skills and passion to a challenging and constantly evolving game.

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

Reporting to the Director, Japan Legal, this role provides counsel and advice to various business functions in Japan as part of Nike’s global Legal team. The Assistant General Counsel works closely with cross-functional business partners and leaders across the organization and occasionally oversees outside counsel. The team thrives in a culture defined by collaboration, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Nike’s Legal Department seeks an Assistant General Counsel, Japan, who combines deep legal expertise with a collaborative mindset. The ideal candidate is a trusted advisor who builds strong relationships across all levels of the organization, demonstrates proven transactional experience, and delivers practical, impactful counsel. Success in this role requires the ability to resolve complex issues effectively, communicate clearly to diverse audiences, and excel in a fast-paced, global environment.

• Minimum 8 or 9 years of experience in a law firm or as in-house legal counsel; experience in a multinational enterprise is a plus
• Juris Doctorate degree or equivalent, licensed to practise law in Japan and/or another jurisdiction
• Substantive experience advising on commercial law, consumer and advertisement law, competition law, and other legal areas related to supply, distribution, sales, and marketing of consumer goods in Japan; experience in one or more of the following areas is a plus: sports marketing, labour law, corporate governance, digital commerce
• Demonstrated ability to draft and negotiate complex contracts and transactions
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines with a bias for action
• Ability to communicate effectively and succinctly in Japanese and English, both orally and in writing

WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON

As Nike's Assistant General Counsel, Japan, you will serve as counsel to various business functions, build trusted relationships with stakeholders and partners, and provide clear, practical guidance in collaboration with legal professionals in the Global, Asia Pacific Latin America (APLA), and Japan Legal team.

• Enable, support, and advise on day-to-day commercial matters, transactions, and business projects
• Draft and support complex contracts and transactions, including strategic partnerships, creative services agreements, endorsement agreements, licensing, sales and distribution agreements, store development, and supply chain matters
• Counsel, identify, and resolve a wide range of legal and business issues, including matters related to consumers, partners, vendors, and products and services, in effective ways
• Collaborate with members of the Legal team to creatively upgrade the quality, efficiency, and service levels of legal services and operations
• Develop and deliver training programs designed to enhance business results and manage risk

NIKE, Inc. is a growth company that looks for team members to grow with it. Nike offers a generous total rewards package, casual work environment, a diverse and inclusive culture, and an electric atmosphere for professional development. No matter the location, or the role, every Nike employee shares one galvanizing mission: To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world.

NIKE, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.