General Counsel for Japanese real estate subsidiary of multinational corporation
Opportunity
Zensho's client, the Japanese subsidiary of a large multinational organization, was growing at a rapid pace. To lead and guide this growth, the client identified the need for an experienced bengoshi (attorney admitted to the Japanese bar) with strong knowledge of real estate transactions both in Japan and in the US.
The client was explicit: only a candidate with the right combination of language skills and cultural sensitivity would be considered. The role would demand precise verbal and written communications as well as extensive negotiations with business leaders in Japan, the US, and around the world.
Zensho Action
Zensho recruiters drew up a shortlist of potential candidates and began contacting them to assess their suitability and interest. The search quickly narrowed to a single individual who closely matched the client's requirements.
The candidate, with over 8 years of experience at one of Japan's largest and most reputable law firms, had developed significant expertise in real estate and securitization matters. He also had a Masters of Law degree from a prestigious US law school as well as experience at a top US firm.
The timing was fortuitous. The candidate was at a critical point in his career where he would have to choose between committing to private practice (and a potential partnership at his current firm) or moving to an in-house legal counsel role. Financially, the choice was clear: private practice guaranteed far better money.
In speaking with the candidate, however, Zensho discovered that money was not the key factor. The candidate was motivated most strongly by a role that would be creative and challenging. He wanted to stretch himself and his career in new ways. He agreed to meet with the client and to fully explore the general counsel opportunity.
Zensho maintained tight communication among all parties throughout the discussion process. Client senior management worked closely with the candidate over several weeks, conducting face-to-face meetings, phone interviews, and video conferences from locations in Japan, Asia, and the US.
Results
After careful negotiations, the candidate accepted the offer to become General Counsel of the business. In follow-up talks some months later, the client expressed satisfaction with the hiring process, saying that their new legal counsel was one of their most strategic and valuable hires. What's more, the candidate’s performance continues to exceed expectations. Since his hiring, he has been promoted twice and he continues to enjoy a rewarding and challenging career within the client organization.
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“Your patience and understanding of everyone’s expectations played a large part in what I consider to be a win-win situation for all involved.”
Regional Counsel, Real Estate subsidiary of US-based multinational in Japan
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