Tomoko Nakajima is not just any partner at Freshfields, she is an absolute trailblazer in the legal profession in Japan. You will hear how Tomoko tutored herself to pass the bar without attending law school and overcame deeply entrenched Japanese cultural “norms” with her courage and willingness to speak up and ask questions. Tomoko shares what it was like to be part of the historical Kansai Airport deal, and how she eventually became a partner at Freshfields. Along the way, Tomoko was challenged to stick up for herself and for her values, revealing her superpower. Her story is a powerful testament to perseverance and the impact of making bold decisions. Hear Tomoko as you’ve never heard before in this riveting 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 Tomoko passed the Japanese bar without attending law school

• How she made a positive impact on one of the biggest infrastructure transactions in Japanese history

• The ultimatum she gave her firm when they did not offer her a partnership (yes, she did that!)

• Her legal superpower and other great insights

About Tomoko

Tomoko Nakajima is a Partner in the Tokyo office of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and head of Japan’s M&A practice.

Tomoko has more than two decades of experience in M&A becoming an M&A expert. Her approach to M&A is international combined with a deep knowledge of the Japanese market. Tomoko truly understands the challenges Japanese clients face when entering or acquiring in overseas markets and works closely with clients to execute their complex cross-border mandates. Tomoko also advises on real estate and infrastructure transactions.

Tomoko received her Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations and Affairs in 1997 and passed the Japanese Bar in 1996 and started her career at Shimazaki International Law Office, a boutique law firm specializing in capital markets and venture capital.

From 1997 to 1999, Tomoko attended the legal training and research institute of the Supreme Court of Japan.

In 2002, Tomoko joined Freshfields in Tokyo as an Associate and received the opportunity to study at the University of Chicago Law School, obtaining her master’s degree in law in 2005 and she was admitted to the California Bar in 2006, then returned to Freshfields Tokyo in 2007. Tomoko was made a Partner in 2023.

Tomoko was named Woman Lawyer of the Year (Law Firm) in the ALB Japan Law Awards 2024. In her spare time, Tomoko enjoys (muscle) training, Pilates and listening to music.

Connect with Tomoko

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomoko-nakajima-27467279/

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 department

• Her learnings from challenges inside the company and in her leadership role

• The importance of mentoring forward in gratitude for mentorship received

• Her favourite bar, a memorable travel experience and other fun facts

About Ayako

Ayako 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 Ayako

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%E5%BD%A9%E5%AD%90-%E5%B0%91%E5%BE%B3-2a98b6163/

Links

Bar Augusta https://tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270101/27002511/

Connect with Catherine

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

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catherine.oconnell.148

Twitter: https://twitter.com/oconnelllawyer

In this solo episode marking the final installment of Season 9, Catherine reflects on the growth and significant impact of 'The Lawyer on Air Podcast' over nearly 100 episodes. Catherine shares heartfelt stories about how the podcast has positively influenced her life and the lives of listeners and guests worldwide. To celebrate this milestone, Catherine unveils a special surprise at the end. Join us as we toast to the journey so far and look forward to an even more exciting Season 10.

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 highlights, the challenges and rewards of starting the podcast

• The importance of inclusivity, and the community it has built

• Powerful stories about career transformations, personal connections, and the unexpected reach of the podcast.

Links

Unpausable playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3aCekQmbR0CYMxzdkhzFqN

Unpausable playlist explanation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/168bSEfOFJQK5TaGD2Pa_HalepmuPt9Kd/view?usp=sharing

Connect with Catherine

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

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

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