Lawyer on Air

Welcome to the premier of Season 12! K. Lesli Ligorner is a partner with Morgan Lewis and shares what it takes to build a successful legal career spanning two decades across China and Japan. We hear how Lesli has mastered the art of finding flexibility within rigid statutory frameworks while leading diverse teams across cultures. If you are wondering how you will lead a team in Japan in the future, this is the episode for you.If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would leave us a message here!In this episode you’ll hear:The high school homestay in Japan that sparked a lifelong love for Asia How blind spots others created in their minds became Lesli's competitive advantageThe nuanced dance of giving instructions across China and Japan teamsHer favourite podcast, book and other fun facts About K. Lesli LigornerLesli Ligorner is a partner with Morgan Lewis and is based in Tokyo, but splits her time between Japan and China. She relocated to Tokyo 2 years ago after spending 18 years on the ground in Beijing and Shanghai. She first came to Japan in high school and lived with host families. She then returned for her junior year of university to study at Kansai Gaidai and graduated from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec with a major in East Asian Studies. Lesli went on to work at Japanese banks in New York City before heading to law school at American University, Washington College of Law. She then worked 3 years as a litigator for the Law Department of the City of New York and then moved to private practice. In fall 2005 the opportunity came up to move to China with her law firm at the time, and her husband raised her hand for her. Six months later they were on a plane to Shanghai and never looked back.Lesli has developed a practice representing western companies in Asia in some of their most sensitive employment matters and investigations and Asian companies with employment and compliance issues in the US and Europe.Connect with Lesli LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/k-lesli-ligorner-asia-employment-investigations/ LinksMarzac 7: https://www.marzac7-nakameguro.com/ 1dL: https://ordinary-inc.com/1dl/ The Loudest Duck by Laura Liswood https://amzn.asia/d/0dSpo08S How to Fail with Elizabeth Day: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/how-to-fail-with-elizabeth-day/id1407451189 Connect with Catherine LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair

What does it take to transform from a technical legal expert into a strategic conductor of organisational change? Keiko Uchida, Head of Legal and Compliance at Roche Diagnostics Japan, shares her journey to leadership from playing the figurative “violin in an orchestra” to becoming “the conductor.”Discover what it means to move from solving one case with 100 pieces of evidence to solving 100 questions with almost none, and why doubling productivity in Japanese companies has become Keiko Uchida’s driving purpose.If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would leave us a message here!In this episode you’ll hear:The powerful conversation that shifted her entire career trajectoryWhy being a housewife became her greatest strength rather than a setbackHow Keiko is building a regional legal network across APAC Her favourite book and other fun facts About KeikoKeiko Uchida is the Head of Legal & Compliance at Roche Diagnostics K.K., where she sits on the leadership team as a direct report to the CEO and oversees legal affairs, compliance, data privacy, corporate governance, and risk management across the organisation.Since joining Roche in 2022, Keiko has played a pivotal regional leadership role, earning the “Change Maker of the Year 2024” award for APAC in recognition of her impact in building a high-performing, collaborative legal network across the region, as well as driving market-focused partnerships between legal, security, and commercial operations teams. One of her team members was also recognised as VIP of the Year 2024 within Roche Diagnostics Japan — a reflection of her strength as a people leader.Before Roche, Keiko served as Corporate Officer, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, and Data Privacy Officer at AXA General Insurance Co., Ltd., where she led legal and compliance transformation initiatives during a period of organisational change. She previously held senior legal and corporate secretary roles within AXA, and earlier in her career practiced as a lawyer in private practice after completing her legal training in Japan.Keiko’s career is uniquely cross-sector, with earlier professional experience in financial institutions including J.P. Morgan and Shinsei Trust Bank, as well as academic work as an Assistant Professor at a research center of The University of Tokyo. She later returned to the University of Tokyo to complete her J.D., following a Master’s degree in law from Kyoto University.Recognised on the Legal 500 GC Powerlist Japan 2023, a panelist at GC Summit 2024, and co-author of a practical legal handbook on contract law published in 2023, Keiko is known for blending deep legal expertise with organisational leadership and strategic thinking.Her professional passion lies in balancing opportunity and risk while building high-performing organizations, and outside of work she enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures.Connect with KeikoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keiko-uchida-3bab7a30/ LinksHow to Win Friends and Influence People: https://amzn.asia/d/09azrBtm Connect with Catherine LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair

Aida Wang is a top-billing legal recruiter at Just Legal who specialises in private practice placements for bengoshi (Japan-qualified lawyers). With a unique background as a professional translator and interpreter between English and Mandarin Chinese, Aida brings a fresh perspective on bridging communication gaps - not just between languages, but between lawyers and law firms.Aida shares practical advice on deal sheets, career planning, and why speaking to a recruiter from day one of your legal career journey in Japan can change your career trajectory.If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would leave us a message here!In this episode you’ll hear:The critical importance of creating and maintaining a deal sheet from day one of your careerWhy you should speak to a recruiter early in your career, not just when you're actively lookingThe biggest misconception about Japanese bengoshi lawyers How Aida helps candidates and clients create compelling stories to help find a perfect matchAbout AidaAida Wang is a Tokyo-based legal recruiter specialising in Bengoshi (Japan-qualified lawyer) searches for private practice, with a particular focus on supporting associates and counsels as they navigate the critical transition points in their legal careers.Currently a Principal Consultant at Just Legal, Aida works with both Japanese and international law firms, recruiting Japanese Bengoshi and foreign-qualified attorneys across a wide range of practice areas. She is known for her thoughtful, relationship-driven approach and for offering market insight that goes well beyond simply filling roles. In her first quarter at Just Legal, Aida quickly made her mark as a top biller which is a reflection of her proactive mindset, deep preparation, and ability to truly understand both candidates and clients.Before moving into legal recruitment, Aida spent over a decade working as a Chinese–English freelance translator and interpreter, including roles in media, film, and news translation. This earlier career laid the foundation for what has become a defining theme of her professional life: bridging gaps - between languages, cultures, expectations, and ultimately, legal careers. Her background in interpreting gives her a rare ability to listen carefully, read between the lines, and translate what lawyers want into what the market is really asking for.Aida holds a Bachelor’s degree from National Chengchi University in Taiwan, along with a Master’s degree in Interpreting and Translation from the University of Bath in the UK. She has also completed Japanese language studies at Keio University. Having lived and worked in Taiwan, the Bahamas, the United States, the UK, and Japan, she brings a genuinely global perspective to her work. She is a native speaker of Mandarin and English, with business-level Japanese, and regularly supports cross-border legal careers in the Japanese market.Through her conversations with Bengoshi across multiple practice areas, Aida frequently hears one recurring challenge: how to develop clients and bring in work before holding a partner title. This insight shapes much of her advisory work with senior associates who are thinking carefully about long-term career sustainability, visibility, and progression within private practice.Outside of work, Aida enjoys cooking and crafting with her eight-year-old son, a creative counterbalance to her professional life that reflects the same curiosity and care she brings to her career.Connect with AidaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hsinyuaidawang/ Just Legal: https://www.justsearchgroup.com/justlegal/consultants/aida-wang LinksAfternoon Tea: https://www.afternoon-tea.net/ Connect with Catherine LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair

"I thought you didn't want to be a partner" - Maya Ito heard these stunning words at a meeting to discuss her firm’s view that her lack of career progression at Big Four law firm Nishimura & Asahi, was simply because she had children. Plot spoiler: she's now a partner at that same firm, she’s leading cross-border project finance deals, and all the while, she’s running an almost entirely female team. Maya shares a deeply personal story of utter loss that forever changed how she approaches every single day of her life, reveals the Japanese warrior philosophy that defines her service to clients, and also explains why monthly team lunches replaced late-night drinking sessions. If you are looking up at senior partners wondering how they got there, or simply want to know what it really takes to sustain a career in Big Law while living with no regrets, grab your headphones and get ready to get to know Maya Ito in a way you never have before.If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would leave us a message here!In this episode you’ll hear:Parental expectations that shaped her legal career and how she overcame themA profound personal loss that became a turning point that guides her actions every dayThe "kagemusha" philosophy of lawyering as a shadow ally How Maya runs her all female team and makes time for her own life tooHer favourite podcasts, books and other fun facts About MayaMaya Ito is a partner at Nishimura & Asahi. She has extensive expertise in cross-border project financing for various natural resources, power projects, and other infrastructure projects. Her experience also extends to areas such as compliance, cross-border financial transactions, cross-border corporate transactions, and other general corporate matters.Maya has extensive experience advising international investors on cross-border renewable energy projects, as well as advising both borrowers and lenders on financing for renewable energy projects in Japan. She previously worked in the cross-border project finance team of a Japanese megabank, handling matters relating to natural resources, power and energy, and infrastructure. Maya has also provided banks, financial institutions, and other corporate clients, most of which operate their businesses globally, with compliance and regulatory advice, as well as advice on a variety of governance matters. She is actively involved in D&I projects aimed at promoting the active participation of women, and has organized numerous D&I seminars and other similar events for corporations. She is also actively involved in Climate Change related projects and has organized Climate Change seminars and events.In her free time Maya likes to play golf and she usually plays golf with her colleagues, clients and her family. Maya also has two cute toy poodles (Tarao and Ikura). The poodles’ names come from a famous Japanese Anime, “Sazae-san” and they give Maya a sense of “iyashi” (癒し) meaning “soothing and solace”.Connect with Maya LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-ito-278b1863/ LinksKagemusha: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kagemusha Ikikata Book: https://amzn.asia/d/ew7DMGc Connect with Catherine LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair

Yu Watanabe is General Counsel at Airbnb Japan, where he has spent over 10 years building one of the most respected in-house legal teams in the country. From training at Freshfields to navigating the world of tech startups at DeNA, and ultimately joining Airbnb, Yu's career embodies the power of taking calculated risks and listening to the right mentors. This episode is rich with wisdom about mentorship, community involvement, and finding success by focusing completely on serving your clients. If you are wondering how Yu stands out as such a star in the world of Tokyo Law, this is the episode for you.If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would leave us a message here!In this episode you’ll hear:How a childhood visit to a law firm in Osaka inspired Yu to pursue law and become a "superhero" helping peopleThe critical decision to join Airbnb Japan in 2015 when almost everyone advised against itWhy Yu approaches legal work with hospitality at its core The transformative moment in Yu’s career and why someone is always watching your effortHis favourite book and other fun facts About YuYuichiro Watanabe is a Director of the Japan In‑House Lawyers Association (JILA) while taking a role of Lead Counsel at Airbnb Japan, and since January 2025 serves as a board director of Airbnb Japan K.K. He joined Airbnb in 2015 as the company’s third lawyer in Asia, following roles with Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and DeNA. Recognized with eight honors across six consecutive years at the ALB Japan Law Awards in his thirties, including being the youngest recipient of In‑House Lawyer of the Year, Yu has also led a team named Diversity & Inclusion: In‑House Team of the Year at the Chambers Asia‑Pacific and Greater China Region Awards 2024 and has been selected for The Legal 500 GC Powerlist: Japan. He also contributes to policy and standards work through committees at Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Digital Agency, and ISO/TC262 for risk management. He has walked a non-traditional career path in Japan, where in-house lawyers were still rare at the time. Through various failures and struggles within organizations, he has gained lessons that shaped his professional journey — and he carries a deep commitment to turning those personal setbacks into guidance for others. Admitted to the Japan Bar in 2009, he holds a J.D. from the School of Law at the University of Tokyo, and is the author of 「リーガルリスクマネジメントの教科書」 (The Textbook of Legal Risk Management, Nihon Kajoshuppan, 2023) and 「組織内弁護士の教科書」 (The Textbook for In-House Lawyers, forthcoming, Nihon Kajoshuppan, October 2025). Including these and his earlier two publications, his four-volume series has achieved an extraordinary circulation of 15,000 copies in Japan.In his personal life, he enjoys traditional Kabuki theatre and traveling.Connect with YuLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wtnby/ LinksHotel New Otani https://www.newotani.co.jp/en/tokyo/ JILA: https://jila.jp/ Blog: https://inhouselaw.org/inhouse/ Peter Thiel, Zero to One : https://amzn.asia/d/43FV5e7 Connect with Catherine LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair

Midori Yamaguchi is a Senior Associate at Mori Hamada & Matsumoto in Tokyo whose career spans Singapore, the US, and Japan. We hear about her two-year secondment to METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry), where she was the only lawyer on the legislation drafting team where she helped create Japan's new pre-insolvency regime - literally dreaming about the law every night. If you're contemplating a step off the well trodden career path of private practice, and think it’s not possible to come back on track, or if you are seeking inspiration, this episode is for you.If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would leave us a message here!In this episode you’ll hear:How Midori's father shaped her values of fairness and honestyThe pivotal role of taking opportunities based on enjoyment rather than fearPowerful lessons from working across Singapore, the US, and JapanPractical strategies for building visibility in Japan's humble culture, including why putting your skills on display, isn't self-promotion About MidoriMidori Yamaguchi is a Senior Associate at Mori Hamada & Matsumoto in Tokyo, where she specialises in restructuring and insolvency as well as dispute resolution. She is qualified in both Japan and New York.Her practice has a strong cross-border focus: she has worked in the firm’s Singapore office, spent time at a U.S. law firm, and completed an LL.M. at New York University. Most recently, she concluded a secondment at Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, where she was involved in drafting legislation to introduce a new pre-insolvency regime.Recognised in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Japan for Arbitration and Mediation in 2022, she is regarded as a rising expert in international legal matters.She actively contributes to the international restructuring and insolvency community through her regular publications and involvement with leading global organisations, including INSOL International as an INSOL Fellow, the International Insolvency Institute (III) as a NextGen member, the International Women’s Insolvency & Restructuring Confederation (IWIRC), the Insolvency Section of the International Bar Association (IBA), and the American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI).She has an LL.B. from Hitotsubashi University and J.D. from Hitotsubashi Law School.Outside of work, she enjoys traveling abroad, scuba diving, and exploring Tokyo’s traditional public bathhouses.Connect with MidoriLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/midori-yamaguchi-3364a3222/ Firm: https://www.morihamada.com/en/people/midori-yamaguchiLinksGinza Music Bar: https://ginzamusicbar.com/ METI, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry: https://www.meti.go.jp/english/ Connect with Catherine LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair

What happens when a lawyer decides success isn't about climbing the ladder, but about creating freedom? Join Catherine as she talks with Mika Fukutomi, who traded her career at top-tier international law firms for entrepreneurship - and built an app to solve one of Japan's biggest business succession challenges: who will maintain the SMEs in Japan with aging leaders and no successors. If you are curious about how legal skills translate into unexpected entrepreneurial ventures then this is the episode for you. If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would leave us a message here!In this episode you’ll hear:How Mika moved from private practice to in-house to business roles to entrepreneurship without a dramatic leap (and why that matters)Vibe coding for lawyers - The surprising truth about how anyone can build an app using AI, even without coding knowledgeWhy critical thinking remains invaluable outside traditional practice, and how Mika uses it as her super powerRedefining success on your own terms About MikaMika Fukutomi is an investor, educator, and consultant specializing in Japan’s private markets. Blending her legal background with an entrepreneurial spirit, she recently launched Akamira.ai, a platform designed to bring transparency to Japan’s often-hidden SME sector. As Managing Partner of INV Japan, she pioneers new ways for global investors and entrepreneurs to engage with Japan’s business ecosystem.Before founding her investment and advisory businesses, Mika trained and practiced law at Clifford Chance and White & Case, and qualified as a Solicitor of England & Wales. She later held senior leadership positions at Deutsche Bank and MetLife, serving as Chief of Staff to the CEO and Corporate Secretary, where she gained deep experience in governance and corporate leadership.With decades of combined experience in law, investment banking, and entrepreneurship, Mika’s career reflects how a legal foundation can serve as a powerful springboard into new industries. Her expertise spans angel investing, private equity, real estate, SME M&A, and corporate governance. She is also a graduate of the Board Director Training Institute (BDTI), underscoring her commitment to governance excellence.Mika’s passion lies in helping others pursue their purpose. Through her work at INV Japan and her educational initiatives, she shows how building on a legal background can lead to unexpected and fulfilling career pathways.Mika loves being in nature with her dog and planning trips to meet up with her son and his girlfriend.Connect with MikaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikafukutomi/ LinksAkamira App: https://akamira.ai/ Connect with Catherine LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair

Meet Mina Hoshizawa, a dynamic in-house legal counsel who has built her career on adaptability and genuine connection. Now leading legal and compliance functions at Nihon Servier, she shares candid insights about unlearning perfectionism, embracing vulnerability as a leadership strength, and why being fluid like water has been her career superpower. If you are considering the transition to an in-house position or thinking you might skip the law firm experience and focus on in-house, this is the episode for you. If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would leave us a message here!In this episode you’ll hear:Why even practical motivations can lead to passionate careersThe art of "unlearning" from private practice what lawyers must focus on to win at in-house roles Her vulnerable leadership approach and what she often says to her teamPractical strategies for establishing legal functions from zero Where to look for opportunities if you intend to skip the law firm experienceAbout MinaMina Hoshizawa is Head of Legal and Compliance at Servier in Japan, sitting on the Leadership Team. Before joining Servier, she belonged to Bayer in Japan and served as Compliance Manager for the entire company and as Legal Manager for its Consumer Health Business and Crop Science Business. Mina is a qualified Japanese bengoshi (attorney), and before joining Bayer, she worked at Freshfields’ Tokyo office. She is the leader of a working group of the Governance and Legal Committee of The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA). She was selected as LexisNexis® UNDER 40 2024, Japan Rising Star 2024 by GC Powerlist Legal 500, and became the first JILA In-house award winner in the Compliance category in Individual Awards 2023.In her free time Mina likes to play badminton with her daughter. Connect with Mina LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mina-hoshizawa-76ab01262/ Connect with Catherine LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair

Meet Olga Belosludova, a trailblazing attorney who made history as the first Russian woman to pass the notoriously difficult Japanese bar exam. Born in Siberia, she came to Japan with her family at age two. Olga's journey from a competitive childhood dream to becoming a qualified lawyer in three jurisdictions is nothing short of extraordinary. Her story offers invaluable insights into navigating Japan's legal landscape as a foreign professional, the importance of visibility in service, and practical strategies for building a successful international legal career.If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would leave us a message here!In this episode you’ll hear:How Olga conquered the Japanese “Yobi” exam which only 4% of examinees passHer strategies for overcoming assumptions about foreign lawyers with Japanese credentialsHer secret dual-goal system for avoiding burnout Her view that speaking Japanese is crucial and why internal translators outperform external onesAbout OlgaOlga Belosludova is an accomplished international attorney admitted to practice law in Japan, California, and New York. Currently, she is based in Japan, where she has lived since age two. Olga brings a unique bicultural perspective to complex cross-border legal matters. As an attorney at a prestigious international law firm constantly ranking in AM Law 20, she has built an impressive practice serving Fortune 100 companies across a wide range of high-stakes transactions and disputes.Fluent in both Japanese and English, Olga has become a trusted advisor to foreign companies navigating Japan's business landscape. Her expertise spans cross-border mergers and acquisitions, complex internal investigations, international arbitrations, and privacy and data security compliance for multinational corporations. She also counsels international banks and investment funds on investment and loan transactions involving Japanese entities, leveraging her deep understanding of both legal systems and cultural nuances.Olga’s risk management expertise is particularly noteworthy—she has led over 20 internal investigations across various industries, handling everything from routine compliance matters to high-profile misconduct cases. Her approach focuses not just on resolving immediate issues, but also on strengthening organizational health and resilience for the long term. During her time at the firm’s New York office from August 2023 to June 2024, she further expanded her expertise in JAMS arbitration and US litigation.The Legal 500 recognised Olga as a “Rising Star” in its Fintech division in 2023, highlighting her emerging leadership in the intersection of law and financial technology. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Olga had been dancing as a ballroom dancer for more than 15 years, ultimately competing as a professional standard ballroom dancer between 2018 and 2020. After the COVID pandemic, in her free time, Olga enjoys spending her time with her family, especially playing with her three-year-old daughter. Whether she is reading books, drawing, or just playing outside, those moments mean the most to Olga. As a new challenge, Olga also began golfing last year.Connect with Olga LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olga-belosludova-744758287/ Connect with Catherine LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair

Alexander Dmitrenko is the Managing Partner of Ashurst’s Tokyo office and a dear friend Catherine has been wanting to introduce to the Lawyer on Air listeners. Get ready to hear how you can be successful in Japan and being a good person is on top of the list. If you are wondering about the culture and lifestyle of working at a firm such as Ashurst, make sure you catch this episode. If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would leave us a message here!In this episode you’ll hear:How Alexander’s upbringing in the USSR influenced his career choice in the lawHow the transition from New York private practice to Japanese in house changed himBecoming Managing Partner and tips for the recruitment processHis favourite restaurant and other fun facts About AlexanderAlexander Dmitrenko is a partner in Ashurst’s Tokyo dispute resolution practice group.He has nearly 20 years of experience specialising in compliance matters, internal investigations, and dispute resolution. He has substantial experience advising Asian and other companies on matters related to sanctions and export controls, anti-bribery and corruption, anti-money laundering, cyber security and cyber fraud, ESG and forced labour and other compliance related laws and regulations. Alexander has gained particular expertise and client praise for his pragmatic approach to establishing compliance policies and procedures, undertaking due diligence exercises and conducting internal and regulatory investigations.Alexander has conducted over a dozen sensitive internal and regulatory investigations covering allegations of bribery, accounting misconduct, internal violations, harassment and product liability in such jurisdictions as China, Ghana, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Russia, United States and Vietnam.Alexander also advises financial institutions and other companies on compliance and risk mitigation measures related to US-China regulatory tensions and potential conflict of laws. He has particular expertise with airspace and the airline industry through his extensive work for Changi Airports International and on Sojitz' airport projects in Russia and Myanmar.He is a member of our firm's specialized Sanctions as well as Corporate Crime groups. Given his unique skillset and expertise, he has been advising on various sanctions targeting Russia, from legal, regulatory and practical perspectives.Alexander teaches, lectures and publishes extensively on various compliance-related topics. He chairs the Japan Subcommittee of Temple Law School’s Center for Compliance and Ethics. He is an active member of the NPO community in Japan, particularly through his leadership at LLAN and TELL. Alexander leads our firm’s pro bono efforts to provide legal and other assistance to Ukrainian evacuees. He is a true diversity & inclusion champion. Alexander is also a proud honorary Ambassador for the beautiful island of Hachijojima.Alexander is qualified to practice in England & Wales, New York, Russia, and is a registered foreign lawyer (Gaikokuho Jimu Bengoshi) in Japan. He speaks English, French, Japanese, Russian and Ukrainian.In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family, including his dog Mykola (Miki), learning Japanese to which he devotes 45-60 minutes each day, spending time on Hachijojima, including gardening (he even grew a square watermelon a few years ago), tennis, yoga and his latest hobby is sanshin on which he performed at Tama Parthenon during a special fundraising concert for Tohoko & Ukraine.Connect with Alexander LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-dmitrenko/ LinksTwo Rooms: https://tworooms.jp/en/ Connect with Catherine LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair

Ayako Shotoku, Group General Counsel and Chief Risk Management Officer at Panasonic, shares her journey detailing her unexpected pivot from an international marketing role to go on to become the head of Panasonic's legal team and also an Executive officer and board member. Ayako opens up about her early career, including her decisive transition into law, the influence of mentors, and the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone. Ayako also reflects on her challenges, notable mistakes, and the invaluable lessons they taught her. If you are wondering if you are cut out to lead hundreds of people in an organisation, then this is the episode for you.If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would leave us a message here!In this episode you’ll hear:What happened when Ayako’s marketing section was closed and she was assigned to the legal departmentHer learnings from challenges inside the company and in her leadership roleThe importance of mentoring forward in gratitude for mentorship receivedHer favourite bar, a memorable travel experience and other fun factsAbout AyakoAyako Shotoku is a Director, Member of the Board, and Executive Officer at Panasonic Holdings Corporation, where she serves as Group General Counsel and Chief Risk Management Officer. With a career spanning over three decades at Panasonic, she brings extensive experience in legal, compliance, and risk management to the table.She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the College of Comparative Culture at the University of Tsukuba and an LL.B. from Chuo University. She also obtained an LL.M. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School.Her career at Panasonic has been marked by consistent advancement and leadership. She joined the company, then Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., in 1991 and has since navigated the complexities of legal and compliance in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. From serving as General Counsel for various key divisions, including Automotive and Connected Solutions, to her current role overseeing the entire group's legal and risk strategy, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to lead and innovate within a global corporation.In her free time Ayako likes traveling, visiting places she has never been to, slow jogging and watching movies/dramas.Connect with AyakoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%E5%BD%A9%E5%AD%90-%E5%B0%91%E5%BE%B3-2a98b6163/ LinksBar Augusta https://tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270101/27002511/ Connect with Catherine Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronairFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/catherine.oconnell.148Twitter: https://twitter.com/oconnelllawyer

Naoko Tahara is Senior Manager of Legal Japan at Olympus Corporation. As a new recruit to a law firm, she took the chance to study Chinese intensively when some of her cohort said she shouldn’t. Listen to hear what happened next in this fascinating career dive with Naoko. If you are wondering if the challenging opportunity that has landed at your feet is really for you, then this is the episode for you! If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would leave us a message here!In this episode you’ll hear:Naoko’s experience growing up in several overseas countriesThe life changing experience of taking an opportunity to study Chinese with her firm as a new associateHow she made the most of career breaks and family changes Her initial challenges when she went to an in-house roleHer favourite podcasts, books and other fun facts About NaokoNaoko Tahara is a Senior Manager of Legal Japan at Olympus Corporation. She graduated from Keio University Law School and became a Bengoshi (Attorney-at-law admitted in Japan) in 2009. Since then, she has 15 years of experience in Cross-border Business, specialising in Global Compliance and General Corporate Matters.She started her career at Uryu & Itoga, a corporate law firm with offices in several Asian countries, and had a chance to work and study in China (2010-2011) and Singapore (2017-2018). After she finished the LLM program at the National University of Singapore, she joined the legal department of Recruit Co., Ltd. in 2018.At Recruit, she developed existing expertise and also became involved with Data Privacy issues and Capital Markets matters. After spending about six years at Recruit, she joined Olympus Corporation in 2024. As a senior manager of Legal Japan, she is now in charge of the Business Support Group, which proactively supports Olympus's business through legal assistance for strategic projects and daily legal support for business divisions.Regarding her personal life, she enjoys spending time with her husband and 9-year-old son. Her hobbies are Chinese Language and Chinese Tea. She learned them in Beijing when she worked for her first law firm back in 2011.Connect with NaokoLinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/naoko-tahara-82b2361b6 LinksShisen Restaurant: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/tyomy-sheraton-miyako-hotel-tokyo/dining/ Book: なぜ働いていると本が読めなくなるのか https://amzn.asia/d/fShhknh Connect with Catherine Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronairYouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair