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Internal DE&I Lunch Session in Collaboration With Airbnb
As outlined in our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion statement, we are committed to fostering an environment that respects individual differences, maximizes each person’s unique capabilities, and encourages meaningful interactions that inspire mutual growth.
We welcomed Darrell Chan (Deputy General Counsel) and Yuichiro Watanabe (Lead Counsel, Japan), of Airbnb’s APAC Legal Team on November 27, 2024. Previously named as the Diversity & Inclusion In-House Team of the Year at Chambers Asia-Pacific and Greater China Region Awards 2024, they shared insights on why law firms must prioritize DE&I and what clients expect.
The session began with a video message from Darrell Chan, followed by an interview session with managing partner Ryutaro Nakayama that was facilitated by N&A lawyers and staff, and concluded with a fireside chat with Yuichiro Watanabe.
Video Message from Darrell Chan, Airbnb Deputy General Counsel
Mr. Chan shared that diversity is central to Airbnb’s mission, highlighting three key reasons why DE&I is crucial for to successful business:
- Improves the quality of service - A diverse legal team brings multifaceted perspectives to complex issues, enabling faster and more effective problem-solving.
- Promotes innovation – DE&I promotes creative legal solutions, driving business growth and adaptability.
- Improves performance - A diverse and inclusive work environment strengthens overall organizational performance.
This session provided a valuable opportunity to reaffirm the importance of DE&I in delivering top-tier legal services amid a complex, globalized legal landscape. Mr. Chan underscored the importance of deepening the culture of allyship, where mutual support within an organization fosters an inclusive culture, ultimately driving innovation. These insights provided an opportunity to reflect on the concept of allyship at our firm.
Interview Session With Ryutaro Nakayama
Interviewers: Kayo Kaneko (counsel), Junichi Shingai (associate), Maki Shimazu (professional assistance department), Kazuhiro Maki (legal assistance department)
In this session, four members of the firm from different departments had the chance to ask managing partner Ryutaro Nakayama questions about DE&I at Nishimura.
Ryutaro began by discussing our ongoing initiatives. He emphasized that these initiatives are not just about diversity but also about inclusion, ensuring that all individuals feel valued and can contribute to their fullest potential. The discussion covered key themes such as; career development, inclusivity of work styles, the firm’s approach to alliances, and the significance of dialogue in fostering a collaborative workplace.
It was reinforced that DE&I is not just for select groups but benefits everyone. Ryutaro reiterated that enabling individuals to leverage their unique abilities while contributing to the firm’s broader success is key. He highlighted how DE&I aligns with our core mission, and that we need for organizations to integrate diverse talents cohesively and with integrity.
Fireside Chat with Yuichiro Watanabe
Moderator: Yuri Sugano (partner, DE&I Promotion Council member) Panelists: Hudson Hamilton (partner, DE&I Promotion Council member), Yuri Utsumi (associate)
The fireside chat provided an engaging platform to explore the strategic importance of diversity values within law firms and the broader corporate environment.
Mr. Watanabe made a compelling case that diversity promotion is not just a CSR activity, but also plays a crucial role in enhancing the competitiveness of companies and organizations. He used a powerful analogy: “DE&I is not just the paint on a car, but the engine that drives it.”
Clients expect law firms to actively champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in this evolving global landscape. Addressing younger lawyers and staff, he highlighted the pivotal role of Gen Z in advancing initiatives, given their strong collaboration and communication skills. The discussion served as an opportunity to reaffirm that every member at the firm has an important role.
Feedback from Attendees
Following the session, participants shared their reflections:
- “I realized that embracing diversity and valuing both others and ourselves, enhances the firm’s overall strength.”
- “I used to think DE&I primarily concerned minorities such as LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and caregivers, but now I understand that it includes everyone, without leaving the majority behind.”
- “The analogy of DE&I as the engine rather than the paint was eye-opening. Many of us still see it as just surface-level, but this discussion made me realize it’s fundamental to driving progress.”
- “I learned that DE&I is not just about personal values, it’s essential for the firm’s growth and long-term success.”
Final Thoughts
This session provided a space for members to discuss issues they may face in daily work. It provided a valuable opportunity for everyone to feel a stronger connection to our DE&I mission, and reflect on actionable items to strengthen their work.
As part of our ongoing commitment, we will continue to promote every individual to maximize their potential while positively influencing those around them. By cultivating an inclusive culture, we aim to provide our clients with exceptional legal services and create a workplace where diverse perspectives thrive.
プロジェクトメンバーMember
Mikiko has extensive expertise in project finance for various power projects and other infrastructure projects, including PPP/PFI projects. She has advised on award-winning projects, including the Tokyo International (Haneda) Airport expansion project, awarded “Asia Pacific Airports” at IJGlobal 2017, and the Osaka and New Kansai International Airports privatization project, awarded “Asia Pacific Airports” at IJGlobal 2016.
Yuri is specialized in Restructuring and Insolvency and also Labor Law. Especially, she is well-known in the restructuring market given her outstanding expertise and experience in cross-border restructuring and insolvency cases. She has plenty of experience providing foreign clients with restructuring and business closure of their Japanese subsidiaries. She also supports foreign clients on a wide range of labor issues, including labor disputes, personnel restructuring and general labor law matters on a daily basis.
Hudson regularly advises Japanese and non-Japanese clients in large, complex cross-border transactions, including stock acquisitions, asset acquisitions, private equity and venture capital investments, intellectual property agreements, joint ventures and strategic alliances. Clients value his communication skills, both in Japanese and English, and his dedication to producing successful outcomes.
Kayo has been involved in several large-scale domestic M&A, corporate restructuring and start-up transactions. Based on her experience studying in Germany and being seconded to a traditional German corporate law firm, she aims to be agile and responsive to clients' needs with regard to matters in Germany and throughout Europe, where EU law is applicable.
Ryutaro Nakayama specializes in General Corporate and M&A work, and advises clients on a broad range of issues and transactions relating to M&A, Japanese corporate, securities, tax, and merger control laws, and regulations specific to various industries. He is a leading lawyer in the field of competition law in Japan, and possesses a unique set of skills and experience, drawn from his extensive experience handling M&A, corporate,