Amazon Corporate Counsel

This opportunity was posted more than 30 days ago and no application deadline was provided. You can explore active listings below.

Associate Corporate Counsel, Global Entertainment Legal at Amazon, Tokyo, Japan

A

Organising Institution / Firm

Amazon

Not Specified by Organiser

Tokyo, Japan

Not Specified

Basic Qualifications:- Law degree with honors (J.D. or equivalent) from a leading university and law school.- Licensed to practice law in Japan.- 3 or more years legal experience with experience at a leading global law firm and/or in-house at a major multinational corporation.- Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to summarize complex issues and ideas clearly and concisely.- Ability to work independently and proactively, while also collaborating effectively with other legal team members and global business teams.- Must have strong ability to communicate orally and in writing, draft agreements and negotiate in both Japanese and English.Preferred Qualifications:- Experience of a mix of corporate law firm and in-house work.- Experience working with global cross-functional teams.- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.- Outstanding legal and business judgment.- Proven ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Jobs

Full Opportunity Brief

Navigating the Global Entertainment Legal Landscape at Amazon

The digital age has transformed the legal profession, particularly for those operating at the nexus of technology, media, and global commerce. Amazon, a titan in both technology and entertainment, offers a compelling opportunity for legal professionals to shape the future of its world-class services. The search for an Associate Corporate Counsel for Global Entertainment Legal in Tokyo, Japan, represents an invitation to join a team at the forefront of innovation, tackling complex legal challenges across intellectual property, digital media, and international regulatory frameworks.

This role is not merely a legal advisory position; it's a strategic partnership within Amazon's monumental entertainment presence, specifically supporting Prime Video and Amazon Music in the vibrant Japanese market. The successful candidate will be instrumental in ensuring the seamless operation, strategic expansion, and robust compliance of these platforms. This involves influencing how content is acquired, distributed, and consumed, making a tangible impact on millions of customers and the broader entertainment industry.

"Joining Amazon's legal team means embracing a culture of relentless innovation and customer obsession. It's a demanding yet incredibly rewarding environment where every legal decision directly impacts global operations and customer experience."

The Associate Corporate Counsel Role: Core Responsibilities and Impact

The Associate Corporate Counsel position is a multifaceted role demanding a broad spectrum of legal expertise and strategic acumen. Based in Tokyo, this individual will serve as a pivotal legal advisor for Amazon's Prime Video and Amazon Music businesses within Japan, ensuring their legal integrity and operational efficiency.

Key responsibilities include:

• Intellectual Property (IP) Counsel: Advising on the protection, acquisition, and licensing of creative content. This encompasses managing copyright for films, TV shows, and music, addressing trademark issues, and strategically safeguarding Amazon's extensive IP portfolio in the Japanese market.
• Digital Media Law Expertise: Navigating the legalities of online content distribution, streaming technologies, and digital rights management. This involves proactive advice on content moderation, user-generated content, and the legal implications of new technological deployments within Prime Video and Amazon Music.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring adherence to local Japanese media laws, consumer protection regulations, data privacy statutes (like the Act on the Protection of Personal Information), and advertising standards. This requires risk assessment, proactive guidance, and the development of tailored compliance policies.
• Commercial Agreement Negotiation: Structuring, drafting, and negotiating a wide array of critical agreements, including content licensing deals with studios and labels, marketing and promotional partnerships, technology vendor contracts, and potentially talent agreements for original productions.

A crucial aspect of this role is its global dimension. The counsel will collaborate closely with US and other international legal and business teams worldwide, contributing to global strategies while ensuring local relevance and compliance. This cross-border engagement offers unique exposure to diverse legal systems and business practices, fostering a truly international legal career.

Crafting Your Candidacy: Essential Qualifications and Desired Attributes

Securing this prestigious role at Amazon requires a robust legal background and specific skills tailored to the dynamic global entertainment sector. Candidates must meticulously address each qualification to present a compelling application.

Basic Qualifications:

• Law degree with honors (J.D. or equivalent) from a leading university and law school, demonstrating strong foundational legal education.
• Licensed to practice law in Japan, essential for advising on local legal frameworks.
• 3 or more years of legal experience, preferably with a blend of experience at a leading global law firm and/or in-house at a major multinational corporation, indicating high-level practical experience.
• Strong written and oral communication skills to clearly and concisely summarize complex legal issues.
• Ability to work independently and proactively, while also collaborating effectively with diverse legal and business teams globally.
• Strong ability to communicate orally and in writing, draft agreements, and negotiate in both Japanese and English, critical for cross-border operations.

Preferred Qualifications that significantly enhance a candidate's profile include:

• A mix of corporate law firm and in-house work experience for a comprehensive legal perspective.
• Experience working with global cross-functional teams, demonstrating cultural and professional adaptability.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, fostering strong stakeholder relationships.
• Outstanding legal and business judgment, enabling sound, pragmatic decisions in ambiguous situations.
• Proven ability to thrive independently in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment.

Candidates should use their CV and cover letter to explicitly demonstrate how they meet these qualifications, providing concrete examples of their experience and achievements, particularly those showcasing their problem‑solving skills and alignment with Amazon's leadership principles.

Thriving in Amazon's Dynamic Legal Ecosystem: What It Takes

Amazon's legal department is deeply integrated into its business units, requiring legal professionals to be true "thought partners." Success in this role hinges on more than just legal knowledge; it demands a specific mindset and approach:

• Inquisitiveness and Enthusiasm for Technology: A genuine interest in technology, digital media, and the evolving entertainment landscape is crucial for proactive legal advice.
• Sound Judgment in Ambiguous Situations: The ability to apply legal principles to novel scenarios, assess risks, and provide practical, actionable advice without clear precedents.
• Client‑Service Orientation: A mindset focused on enabling business objectives, communicating effectively, and finding legal solutions that support innovation while mitigating risk.
• Attention to Detail and Big Picture Thinking: Meticulousness in contracts and regulations, coupled with the ability to align legal decisions with broader strategic goals.
• Prioritization and Adaptability: Managing multiple priorities, switching gears quickly, and delivering high‑quality work under tight deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• High Professionalism and Integrity: Upholding the highest standards of ethics, discretion, and professional conduct when handling confidential information and representing Amazon.

The team values facilitating progress, delivering results, customer obsession, and a proactive approach to problem‑solving, all while maintaining the highest level of integrity.

Strategic Career Advancement: The Trajectory of an Amazon Legal Professional

This Associate Corporate Counsel position at Amazon's Global Entertainment Legal team is a significant career accelerator. The experience gained is invaluable, offering exposure to cutting‑edge legal issues within a globally recognized company.

This role provides:

• Specialized Expertise: Deepening knowledge in intellectual property, digital media, and international regulatory compliance within the entertainment sector, a highly sought‑after niche.
• Global Perspective: Unique exposure to cross‑border legal challenges and the harmonization of global strategies with local requirements, critical for future leadership roles in multinational corporations.
• Business Acumen: Fostering a strong understanding of commercial drivers, product development, and market dynamics by partnering closely with business teams, essential for advancing to senior in‑house counsel or executive positions.
• Network Expansion: Opportunities to collaborate with brilliant legal minds and creative business partners within Amazon and across the entertainment industry, significantly expanding one's professional network.
• Innovation Exposure: Constant engagement with new product imperatives and strategic content deals, keeping the role intellectually stimulating and at the forefront of industry trends.

The skills developed—negotiation, risk management, strategic advising, and cross‑functional collaboration—are highly transferable and valued across various industries, providing a robust foundation for diverse future career paths.

Mastering the Application Process: Your Path to a Global Legal Career

Applying for a specialized role at Amazon requires a strategic and meticulous approach, designed to identify candidates who align with Amazon's unique culture and leadership principles.

To maximize your chances:

• Tailor Your Resume/CV: Highlight experiences directly relevant to IP, digital media, regulatory compliance, and commercial contract negotiation. Quantify achievements and emphasize your Japan‑specific experience and bilingual capabilities.
• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Articulate your passion for entertainment, media, and technology, and explain your specific interest in Amazon, Prime Video, and Amazon Music. Clearly demonstrate how your skills align with the qualifications and Amazon's leadership principles.
• Prepare for Behavioral Interviews: Amazon heavily uses the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Prepare specific examples from your past that showcase complex legal challenges, teamwork, independent work, deadline management, and sound judgment.
• Showcase Bilingual Proficiency: Be prepared to demonstrate your strong Japanese and English communication skills throughout the interview process.
• Research Amazon's Leadership Principles: Understand these principles deeply and be ready to discuss how you exemplify them through your professional experiences.
• Demonstrate Cultural Fit: Convey attributes like inquisitiveness, enthusiasm, hard work, and a desire for continuous challenge.

The application link directs to Amazon's official careers portal, ensuring a direct and reliable application channel. This role offers a significant opportunity for legal professionals aiming to make a tangible impact in the global entertainment industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What specific types of intellectual property issues will this role primarily handle?
A1: This role will primarily handle intellectual property matters related to content acquisition, licensing, and distribution for Prime Video and Amazon Music in Japan. This includes advising on copyright for films, TV shows, and music, trademark protection for Amazon's brands, and managing IP infringement issues in the digital media space. The counsel will also be involved in structuring deals that protect Amazon's proprietary content and technology.

Q2: How does the "global cross-functional team" aspect manifest in day-to-day work?
A2: The "global cross-functional team" aspect means the Associate Corporate Counsel will regularly collaborate with legal and business teams located in the US and other international regions. This could involve participating in global legal strategy meetings, coordinating on international content deals that have a Japanese component, aligning on global compliance initiatives, and sharing best practices across different markets. Effective communication and cultural sensitivity are key to success in this collaborative environment.

Q3: What are the key challenges for legal counsel in the Japanese digital entertainment market?
A3: Key challenges in the Japanese digital entertainment market include navigating a complex and evolving regulatory landscape for digital content, ensuring compliance with local data privacy laws, addressing unique cultural nuances in content licensing and marketing, and managing intellectual property rights in a market with distinct legal interpretations and enforcement mechanisms. The rapid pace of technological change and consumer behavior also requires constant adaptation and proactive legal guidance.

Q4: What kind of career growth opportunities are available for an Associate Corporate Counsel at Amazon?
A4: An Associate Corporate Counsel at Amazon has significant career growth opportunities. This role provides a strong foundation in specialized entertainment and technology law, coupled with exposure to global operations and business strategy. Potential growth paths include advancing to Senior Corporate Counsel or Legal Director roles within Amazon's legal department, specializing further in areas like IP or regulatory affairs, or transitioning to leadership positions within Amazon's business units. The experience is also highly valued for roles at other leading tech, media, or entertainment companies globally.

#J-18808-Ljbffr