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Lawyer on Air

By: Catherine O'Connell
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  • Summary

  • Lawyer on Air - where I pour you a glass of wine at my favorite virtual wine bar in Tokyo while you listen to inspirational inside stories from my guests, as we relax and talk about what it’s like in life, and in the law, for women lawyers in Japan.
    Catherine O'Connell
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Episodes
  • A blue ocean journey as in-house counsel and legal pioneer in Japan with Akiko Kawaguchi

    A blue ocean journey as in-house counsel and legal pioneer in Japan with Akiko Kawaguchi
    Apr 28 2024

    Dive into the inspiring journey of Akiko Kawaguchi, a true pioneer in the Japanese legal world. Akiko shares her groundbreaking path of becoming the first Japanese qualified lawyer at Mitsubishi Corporation. In this episode, Akiko reflects on the historical events that shaped her pursuit of justice and logic, her courageous leap into the blue ocean of in-house counsel, and her belief in the transformative power of young minds. Tune in to discover how Akiko's passion for curiosity, continuous learning and embracing new challenges is shaping the future of law.

    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 Akiko became the first ever Japanese lawyer at a Japanese trading company

    • The way Akiko took charge of her career for the benefit of Mitsubishi by leaving for another position

    • Bringing about change in Chiyoda Corporation

    • Starting the organisations and networks she needed, many of which you may have heard of!

    • Her favourite book and other fun facts

    About Akiko

    Akiko Kawaguchi is Assistant Division Director, Legal & Corporate Affairs Division for Chiyoda Corporation, a global engineering company headquartered in Yokohama, Japan.

    Akiko holds an LL.B. from Hitotsubashi University (1996) and an LL.M. from Columbia Law School (2005), with Harlan Fiske Stone Scholars. She is a licensed attorney admitted to practice in Japan (since 1999) and in New York, USA (since 2006).

    Akiko began her professional career in 1999 as the first Japanese qualified in-house counsel at Mitsubishi Corporation, so-called sogo shosha, unique corporate model in Japan to cover broader business “from ramen to rocket,” where she supported local and international business transactions and disputes. In 2019 while working at Mitsubishi Corporation, Akiko was heavily involved in negotiation and implementation of Chiyoda Corporation’s revival plan and then she was seconded to Chiyoda Corporation to directly support them. While the work is tough, she enjoys new challenge covering legal, compliance, corporate governance, IR, PR and sustainability, among others.

    Akiko has been actively involved in the Japan Legal community and has engaged in numerous activities to develop the capabilities of those who have legal background for them to break the silo to fly to higher sky. As one of the first penguins as Japanese in-house counsel, she was the founding member of the Japan In-house Lawyers Association (JILA). In 2021, she co-launched the Japanese Legal Operations Study Group to release legal operations framework “CORE8.” She is also the founding member of CLOC Japan Shared Interest Group. In 2023, she co-launched the Strategic Legal Governance Study Group with reputable Japanese companies’ GCs and chairs its subcommittee to explore the corporate function necessary to operate the company in the view of the management and to take necessary action.

    Outside of work, Akiko enjoys visiting various libraries and bookstores, strolling around the neighborhood (“wonder wander” according to Stanford school) and listening to rock music.

    Connect with Akiko

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akiko-kawaguchi-b24b8b100/


    Links

    Bar Jiro: https://r.gnavi.co.jp/7fa704yu0000/

    JILA: https://jila.jp/eng/

    CLOC Japan interest group https://cloc.org/

    Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Cho-Nam-Joo/dp/1471184285


    Connect with Catherine

    Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair

    YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair

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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Small Seasons, Big Impact: Building a legal practice that you love in Japan with Saki Nakahara

    Small Seasons, Big Impact: Building a legal practice that you love in Japan with Saki Nakahara
    Apr 14 2024
    Saki Nakahara joins us to share her story of finding her way to starting her own practice in the perfect area for her. We hear about how she spent a lot of time on the qualification she thought she should achieve because it was more difficult. However that experience then went on to become part of a strong foundation for her true calling. If you are wondering how starting your own firm could be a chance to do the work you want as well as incorporate some of your passions, this is a fantastic episode showing a different way to work in the law in Japan. In this episode you’ll hear: How Saki became interested in the law at an early age Finding her way to the work she really wanted to do after receiving the right information The importance of emotions and how you want to “feel” in your practice How Saki built a practice that incorporates how she wants her clients to feel Her favourite podcasts, books and other fun facts About Saki Saki Nakahara is the founder and an immigration lawyer at Small Seasons & Co., where she provides clients with assistance for their business set-up, visa applications, and other legal services. Through her legal office, in particular where capacity allows, she loves providing specialized services to artists, creators, and anyone interested in exploring Japan's rich arts and culture scene. Born in the UK, Saki spent her formative years immersed in diverse environments across the globe. Growing up amidst an international community, she developed a profound appreciation for cultural diversity and the interconnectedness of the world. She was educated at the Canadian International School in Singapore from 2004-2005, Shanghai Community International School from 2006-2010 and undertook a summer program at SGH Warsaw School of Economics. She graduated from Keio University obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 2015. Saki started out her working career at Teach For Japan, and after that had a variety of experience in different industries and roles. She was a hospitality intern at Kagaya Ryokan a well-known Japanese Style Hotel established in 1906 and ranked 1st for hospitality for 33 years. After that she had an internship at Wahl & Case, Tech specialist recruiters and joined Rakuten as a Sales Associate in 2015. Her love for the law found her studying for the Shihoshoshi (judicial scrivener) exam while working as a legal assistant at June Advisors Group from 2019 to 2020 and at the same time working for Lumina Learning a visionary learning and development consultancy. Saki shifted from studying for the Shihoshoshi qualification to Gyoseishoshi (Administrative scrivener) and having passed the Gyoseishoshi exam successfully in 2022, she established her own immigration law firm in July 2023. In her spare time, Saki is devoted to shedding light on the Way of Tea and promoting creative ways to bring fulfillment to people's lives through Japanese cultures and heritage. She juggles a full-time digital marketing role at a marketing agency while also dedicating every morning to work for an immigration lawyer's office, in addition to managing her own legal practice. By combining her passion for tea with her expertise in law and marketing, Saki is dedicated to fostering a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture and heritage on her entrepreneurial journey while striving to see the dots connect. Connect with Saki LinkedIn Website Links Favorite restaurant: KAKIDEN in Shinjuku Book recommendation: The Comfort Zone: Create a Life You Really Love With Less Stress and More Flow by Kristen Butler Japanese perfume company KITOWA Templates from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Connect with Catherine Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair
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    59 mins
  • Embracing change in law: Olga V. Mack's insights on technology, personal branding & thought leadership

    Embracing change in law: Olga V. Mack's insights on technology, personal branding & thought leadership
    Mar 31 2024

    I am thrilled to welcome Olga V. Mack, a renowned contributor to thought leadership on law and tech to the Lawyer on Air podcast. Olga takes us on a captivating journey, sharing her experiences from integrating art, science, and law to her impactful presence on LinkedIn and the evolution of her own podcast, "Notes to My Legal Self." Join us as we delve into her alternative to mentorship, AI innovation, and the power of individual excellence in the legal landscape. If like Olga, you do not like to wait in line, learn how you can be at the forefront of the exciting changes happening in the legal industry today.


    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:

    • Building your brand as a lawyer and how you can utilize LinkedIn to do that.

    • What it takes to find your niche as a lawyer through thought leadership

    • Olga’s take on ChatGPT and other software for Lawyers

    • Other Olga fun facts

    About Olga

    Olga V. Mack is an accomplished entrepreneur, executive, and attorney dedicated to harnessing transformative technologies for positive change. Serving as a Lecturer at Berkeley Law, Fellow at CodeX, The Stanford Center for Legal Informatics, and a Generative AI Editor at law.MIT Computational Law Report, Olga is a strong advocate for the integration of innovative technologies that enhance functionality and accessibility across various domains. With a proven track record as an award-winning general counsel, operations specialist, and tech startup advisor, Olga encourages the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to drive progress and efficiency.

    As a seasoned TEDx presenter, Olga leverages her unique blend of expertise in technology and business to inspire and educate audiences. Recognized as a top speaker and thought leader, she shares her insights through various platforms, including Forbes, Bloomberg Law, law.MIT Computational Law Report, Newsweek, Venture Beat, Above the Law, ACC Docket, and many other popular and industry publications. Olga's work revolves around exploring the transformative potential of emerging technologies across industries. Her accomplishments include being honored with prestigious awards such as Silicon Valley Women of Influence, ABA Women in Legal Tech, Make Your Mark, Corporate Counsel of the Year, and Women Leaders in Technology Law.

    Join Olga in her mission to embrace technology for positive change and explore its impact on society, business, and innovation.


    Connect with Olga

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olgamack/


    Links

    Notes to my Legal Self: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/notes-to-my-legal-self/id1531421449

    ACC: https://docket.acc.com/author/olga-v-mack


    Connect with Catherine

    Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair

    YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair

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    1 hr and 19 mins
Career Success Economics
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