Legal Counsel – Automotive & Manufacturing

About the Role

You will advise automotive manufacturers, parts suppliers, and manufacturing companies on a broad range of legal matters including supply chain contracts, product liability under the Product Liability Act (製造物責任法 / PL法), automotive safety regulations, joint ventures, and M&A in the manufacturing sector. The role also involves advising on the legal implications of autonomous driving, electric vehicles, and connected car technology.

Based in MHM's Nagoya office in the Chubu region, you will work closely with the Nagoya District Court (名古屋地方裁判所) and local industry associations. The Nagoya office provides focused service to the dense concentration of automotive and manufacturing companies in Aichi Prefecture and the surrounding Tokai region.

Practice Areas

• Supply chain contracts and subcontracting arrangements under the Subcontract Act (下請法)
• Product liability advisory and litigation under the PL Act (製造物責任法)
• Automotive regulatory compliance (Road Transport Vehicle Act / 道路運送車両法)
• Manufacturing sector M&A and joint ventures
• Autonomous driving, EV, and connected car legal advisory

• Advise automotive and manufacturing clients on supply chain and commercial contracts
• Handle product liability claims and advise on product safety compliance
• Support M&A transactions and joint ventures in the manufacturing sector
• Advise on Subcontract Act compliance for supplier relationships
• Monitor regulatory developments in autonomous driving and EV technology
• Represent clients before the Nagoya District Court and regional courts
• Build and maintain client relationships in the Chubu automotive industry

• Registered bengoshi (弁護士) with the JFBA (日本弁護士連合会)
• 4-7 years of post-qualification experience in corporate, manufacturing, or product liability law
• Knowledge of the Product Liability Act (製造物責任法), Subcontract Act (下請法), and relevant regulations
• Experience advising manufacturing or automotive sector clients preferred
• Connection to the Nagoya/Chubu region or willingness to relocate
• Working-level English for cross-border supply chain matters
• Interest in emerging automotive technologies (EV, autonomous driving, MaaS)