eDiscovery Project Manager

Overview

This role manages the overall client experience for Japanese law firms, corporations, and other organizations. Responsibilities include effectively managing the schedule, scope, and cost of a project while maintaining high quality and achieving client goals and project success.

The position acts as a key bridge between Japanese-speaking clients and global Operations teams. Work requires business-level fluency in both Japanese and English, including daily use of both languages for cross-border engagements.

Responsibilities

• Consult with and advise Japanese-speaking clients on eDiscovery workflows, project planning, database setup, and related scope requirements, aligned with industry best practices and standards
• Conduct client meetings, kick-offs, status calls, and escalations in Japanese
• Prepare client-facing emails, reports, and documentation in business-level Japanese, including appropriate use of keigo (honorific language) and Japanese business etiquette
• Proactively plan project workflow and requirements with the client to ensure expectations are fully understood and met
• Gather requirements from the client in Japanese and pass them on to Operations in English via a work order
• Submit requirements into the work flow system
• Track internal progress to ensure timelines are satisfied and manage budget-related expectations
• Provide routine detailed status updates and reporting to clients in Japanese (and in English where required)
• Serve as a point of escalation when client issues arise; advocate for client needs internally
• Champion client needs to ensure deadlines, project scope, and expectations are understood across internal teams
• Provide updates on progress regularly as appropriate during client kick-off meetings
• Identify, address, and document new internal processes to improve efficiencies and client effectiveness
• Communicate work instructions and client requirements clearly to Operations, translating between Japanese and English as needed
• Coordinate with global Operations, Review Services, and Technology teams across time zones (including the U.S. and Europe) to support cross-border matters
• Advise clients on Japan-specific considerations, including:
  • Handling Japanese-language (CJK/multi-byte) data
  • Data privacy requirements under the Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI)
  • Cross-border data transfer
• Provide guidance, instruction, and work direction for active projects to Operations as needed
• Demonstrate and present solutions to existing and prospective clients in Japanese and English
• Maintain a general understanding of industry trends and a thorough understanding of available products, services, and technologies
• Obtain a working knowledge of hosted review products
• Work with clients to establish best practices that meet their needs and address prioritization issues as they arise

Requirements

• Business-level or higher Japanese language ability (spoken and written), JLPT N1 or equivalent / native-level fluency
• Business-level English ability (spoken and written) for day-to-day collaboration with global teams and clients (TOEIC 800+ or equivalent preferred)
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite, with emphasis on Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Deep understanding of eDiscovery and the litigation support industry
• Demonstrated success in managing multiple simultaneous projects
• Excellent client relationship skills, including proactive expectation management and strong understanding of Japanese business customs and client service expectations
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in both Japanese and English
• 2+ years of project management, consulting, litigation support, or paralegal experience in a top-tier law firm, consulting practice, or vendor; experience supporting Japanese clients strongly preferred
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Solid understanding of database design and management, data processing activities, and legal document review requirements; experience with Japanese-language data and document review is a plus
• Familiarity with the Japanese legal and regulatory landscape (e.g., antitrust, anti-bribery, corporate investigations, cross-border litigation) is a plus
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Candidates must be eligible to work in Japan. This position does not qualify for VISA sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting Japanese clients
• Experience with Japanese-language data and document review
• Familiarity with Japanese legal and regulatory landscape (e.g., antitrust, anti-bribery, corporate investigations, cross-border litigation)

Compensation & Benefits

• Benefits and eligibility vary by country, location, employment status, and applicable plan or program requirements.
• Depending on location, benefits may include comprehensive health and wellness benefits, retirement and financial programs, paid time off and leave options, employee assistance resources, and professional development opportunities.

Location

• Japan (Tokyo)
• Work arrangement (hybrid/remote within Japan) to be confirmed with the hiring team.
• On-site client visits as required, primarily within Japan, with occasional domestic or international travel.