Leaning into your legal career in Japan with Emi Takeda

Emi Takeda is General Counsel for Japan at Accenture. It was a pleasant surprise to hear about Emi’s passion for sake and wine as well as the law, and how she managed to overcome the culture shock of acclimatising to big city life upon arriving at Tokyo University, having come from being a student from Fuji City. If you are wondering what it’s like to lead a team of over 100 lawyers, like Emi does, then enjoy listening as she shares insights into the challenges and rewards of managing large legal teams, embracing leadership roles, and the work-life “juggle” while raising a family. In this episode you’ll hear: - Emi’s culture shock at arriving at Tokyo University from Fuji City and again at Columbia Law School - Emi’s advice for leading large teams and for making sure you always have time for yourself - How submitting for law awards as a team can create a great reflection opportunity - Her favourite book and other fun facts About Emi Emi is a senior international lawyer with over 20-years experience at top global law firms and as General Counsel for Accenture Japan. In her current role and Board Member at Accenture Japan, she manages a team of more than 130 lawyers and contract professionals. Emi received her LL.B. from the University of Tokyo and graduated from the Legal Training and Research Institute of Japan. She went on to receive her LL.M. from Columbia Law School. Emi is a Japanese bengoshi admitted to practice in Japan and she is also admitted in New York. Emi is a working parent of three children, 9, 13 and 16 years old. She also enjoys classical guitar, Japanese sake and wine. Awards and recognitions: GC Power list – Japan 2023, 2024 ALB Japan Law Awards: In-House Lawyer of the Year (2022, 2021); Woman Lawyer of the Year (In-House)(2022); In-House Team of the Year (2021); Innovative In-House Team of the Year (2021) Connect with Emi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emi-takeda-6935a4142/ Links Sushi Kuon Kamagai: https://sushikuon-kumagai.food-tenpo.com/ Connect with Catherine Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lawyeronair