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.
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In this episode you’ll hear:
How Midori's father shaped her values of fairness and honesty
The pivotal role of taking opportunities based on enjoyment rather than fear
Powerful lessons from working across Singapore, the US, and Japan
Practical strategies for building visibility in Japan's humble culture, including why putting your skills on display, isn't self-promotion
About Midori
Midori 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 Midori
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/midori-yamaguchi-3364a3222/
Firm: https://www.morihamada.com/en/people/midori-yamaguchi
Links
Ginza 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