What are the most significant cases or transactions that you have been involved in over the past year?

Over the past year, my involvement has spanned across a diverse spectrum of legal matters, encompassing mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, data privacy and security, as well as dispute management. Of particular significance, I led a minority buyout transaction, where I played a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and efficient transfer of shares from Otis Japan’s minority shareholders, contributing to the successful execution of the transaction.
What innovations have you made to the way your legal team works in the past year?
We developed an in-house digital contract review workflow tool that allows internal clients to submit requests, upload documents, track progress, and receive feedback. This innovative tool also serves as a knowledge management platform, housing a repository of legal advice. Looking ahead, we see potential in integrating it with approval workflows and document storage systems, and we are currently assessing the requirements to implement these solutions. Additionally, we introduced a self-service contract review process, enabling internal clients to independently review contracts using guidance prepared by our legal team, which outlines key issues and concerns. These initiatives have greatly streamlined our workflow.
Based on your experience, what is the key to collaborating successfully with business partners?
I firmly believe that success in our field requires not only understanding the law but also its practical application within our industry. Context is key, as it often shapes legal considerations, and proactively studying the future trajectory of laws and regulations can offer valuable insights. A deep understanding of the culture in which we operate further enhances our ability to help business partners navigate challenges.
By demonstrating this level of insight, we can build trust and confidence with our partners. While it may sound cliché, I believe our role is to find solutions rather than become obstacles. However, knowing when to take a principled stand and assertively say no is equally important. Striking a balance between these approaches is more art than science, but it’s essential for fostering successful collaboration and trust. By mastering this balance, we can contribute to a culture of problem-solving and engage more effectively with our business partners.
Apart from legal matters, has the team worked on other company initiatives you would like to highlight?
We have been deeply committed to supporting and advocating for our LGBTQ+ employees, fostering an inclusive workplace environment. This dedication is reflected in the development and implementation of inclusive policies, our continuous advocacy for inclusive practices, and our collaboration with LGBTQ+ organizations. As a result of these efforts, Otis Japan was honored with the gold award in the “PRIDE Index 2023” by the “Work with Pride” organization, recognizing our unwavering commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Beyond our work in LGBTQ+ inclusion, the legal team has been instrumental in promoting paternity leave for male employees, spurred by new regulations requiring large companies to disclose the percentage of male employees taking paternity leave. This initiative involved securing management buy-in, developing comprehensive manuals, crafting leadership messages, and creating tailored communication packages for employees. As of April 2023, 75% of male employees at Otis Japan have taken paternity leave.