General Counsel

Aioi Nissay Dowa Europe; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A multinational insurance company in the UK is seeking a General Counsel to provide strategic legal support across the organization. The ideal candidate should have 7-10 years of experience in corporate, regulatory, or technology law, along with a strong understanding of UK, EU, and Japanese corporate law. This role involves compliance oversight, risk management related to AI ethics, and advising on legal matters, ensuring collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders. Fluency in English and Japanese is essential.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of post-qualification experience in corporate, regulatory, or technology law.
• Deep understanding of corporate law and compliance frameworks.
• Proven experience advising on cross-border legal matters.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and guidance on all company activities.
• Oversee compliance frameworks including data protection.
• Monitor and interpret relevant legislative developments.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts.
• Lead risk management initiatives relating to AI ethics.
• Manage and supervise external counsel.

Skills

Corporate law

Regulatory compliance

Technology law

Cross-border legal matters

Legal drafting

Risk identification

Fluent English

Fluent Japanese

Education

Qualified lawyer (UK, Japan, or EU jurisdiction)

Job description

As General Counsel, you will provide strategic and operational legal support across the company as a member of the Board of Executive Managing Officers. You will ensure full compliance with applicable laws and regulations in the UK, EU, and Japan, particularly in areas of corporate governance, data protection, AI ethics and risk, digital regulation, and insurance-related legislation. You’ll work with a talented team of executives and project managers, group legal teams and industry leaders. Member of the Board of Executive Managing Officers (Subject to AIOI R&D Lab's board approval).

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and guidance to management on all company activities, including R&D, partnerships, procurement, and corporate governance.
• Oversee compliance frameworks, including data protection (GDPR, APPI, etc.), AI governance, and digital regulatory requirements.
• Monitor and interpret relevant legislative and regulatory developments in the UK, EU, and Japan affecting the company's operations and research.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts, including research collaboration agreements, NDAs, vendor contracts, and partnership MoUs.
• Lead risk management initiatives relating to AI ethics, data use, and digital technologies.
• Develop and maintain internal policies for legal compliance, privacy management, and ethical AI development.
• Act as the main contact for legal coordination with Aioi Nissay Dowa Europe Ltd. and Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance Co., Ltd., ensuring group‑level consistency.
• Support board governance matters for Aioi R&D Lab Ltd.
• Manage and supervise external counsel, ensuring efficient and cost‑effective use of legal resources.

Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer (UK, Japan, or EU jurisdiction).
• Minimum 7‑10 years of post‑qualification experience in corporate, regulatory, or technology law.
• Deep understanding of UK, EU and Japanese corporate law and compliance frameworks; data protection and privacy laws (GDPR, APPI, etc.); AI risk management and digital/technology regulations; legal and regulatory frameworks relevant to the insurance industry.
• Proven experience advising on cross‑border legal matters and working within international corporate groups.
• Excellent communication and drafting skills in both English and Japanese, with the ability to conduct legal discussions fluently (native level in at least one language).
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities, with a proactive approach to risk identification and mitigation.

Desirable

• Experience working in or with R&D or technology‑driven organizations.
• Familiarity with UK or EU insurance supervisory frameworks (e.g., FCA, PRA, EIOPA regulations).
• Prior in‑house counsel experience in a multinational company or financial institution.
• Experience developing and implementing compliance programs, particularly for AI governance or data ethics.
• Demonstrated ability to liaise effectively with regulators, external counsel, and internal stakeholders across multiple jurisdictions.

Why Join Us?

We’re committed to your growth, providing the support to excel in your current role whilst offering opportunities to step into new challenges and drive your career forward.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Aioi Nissay Dowa Europe is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment. Employees and job applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender re‑assignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation (Protected Characteristics).