Legal Counsel, Japan

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Position Overview:

eBay is seeking a Legal Counsel to join the Japan Legal team. This role supports legal and regulatory matters across eBay Japan, including Qoo10 Japan and cross-border e-commerce operations, working closely with internal stakeholders and global legal teams. The position is suited to a junior to mid-level attorney looking to develop broad in-house experience in an e-commerce and digital platform environment, handling a wide range of regulatory, commercial, operational, and employment-related matters with appropriate guidance and collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

Legal and Regulatory Support

• Support compliance with Japanese laws and regulations applicable to e-commerce and digital platforms.
• Monitor regulatory developments and summarize potential impacts on business operations.
• Conduct legal research and analysis to support compliance initiatives.
• Translate legal requirements into practical guidance for internal teams.
• Support compliance with key Japanese regimes, including the Payment Services Act, the Act on Improving Transparency and Fairness of Digital Platforms, and the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations.
• Assist with analysis and internal guidance relating to platform transparency, payment-related regulations, and advertising/marketing compliance.

Marketplace and Operational Support

• Support legal matters related to seller and user management, including warnings, suspensions, and contract terminations.
• Assist in reviewing and updating terms of use, seller policies, and internal guidelines.
• Support complaint handling and dispute resolution involving sellers and users.
• Assist in developing internal frameworks for customer harassment and operational risk management.

Commercial Contracting

• Draft and review standard-form commercial agreements, including seller agreements, advertising agreements, and outsourcing contracts.
• Support review of English-language and cross-border agreements in coordination with global legal teams.
• Assist with real estate-related matters, including lease agreement reviews.

Risk Management and Governance

• Support legal review of new services, features, and business initiatives.
• Assist in identifying legal risks and preparing internal risk assessments.
• Support internal governance practices and alignment with global eBay policies and standards.

Employment and Labor

• Support employment and labor-related matters, including review of internal policies, HR guidelines, and employment documentation.
• Assist with HR-related issues such as employee relations, disciplinary actions, and internal investigations, in coordination with HR and global legal teams.
• Conduct legal research on Japanese labor and employment laws relevant to eBay Japan.

Intellectual Property and Brand Protection

• Assist with IP matters, including trademark and copyright enforcement, in collaboration with Trust & Safety.
• Support takedown requests and related seller communications.

Cross-Functional and Global Collaboration

• Work closely with business, product, operations, Trust & Safety, and customer service teams.
• Communicate with global legal and compliance stakeholders in English as needed.
• Participate in regional and global legal projects.

Qualifications and Experience

Required

• Qualified attorney in Japan (Bengoshi).
• At least 2–5 years of legal experience in a law firm and/or corporate legal department.
• Foundational knowledge of Japanese commercial law and consumer protection regulations.
• Working-level English proficiency, including the ability to read and draft legal documents and communicate with global stakeholders.
• Japanese fluency and English proficiency

Preferred

• Prior in-house experience (including secondment or part-time).
• Experience or strong interest in e-commerce, technology, or platform businesses.
• Experience handling English contracts or working with overseas stakeholders.
• Basic experience or strong interest in employment and labor law.
• Exposure to regulatory compliance for payment services, platform regulation, or advertising/marketing laws.

Other Considerations.

• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Practical, business-oriented mindset.
• Clear communication and collaborative working style.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Attention to detail and high ethical standards.

Additional Details

eBay is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, and disability, or other legally protected status. If you have a need that requires accommodation, please contact us at talent@ebay.com. We will make every effort to respond to your request for accommodation as soon as possible. View our accessibility statement to learn more about eBay's commitment to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities.

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