The Japan In-house Counsel Network (JICN) enters a new chapter with the announcement of its new leadership.
Angela Yuen, deputy general counsel (global legal, tech & innovation) at JERA, and California licensed lawyer Anthony Luna, general counsel at IBM Japan, have been appointed co-presidents.
The new leaders outlined their vision for the future of JICN in discussion with Asia Business Law Journal. They believe that since the pandemic “there is an even stronger need to collaborate, share knowledge, create community, and provide networking opportunities to in-house counsel”.
“Training on substantive legal matters, specialised skills enhancement and keeping abreast of the impact of global geopolitical events, technological developments and regulatory trends on business are critical.”
Aiming to foster a diverse and inclusive community, the co-leaders also highlighted the necessity of peer-to-peer exchanges and mentorship.
Responding to the unique challenges faced by in-house counsel in Japan, Yuen and Luna shared their plans to introduce different activities. These include both face-to-face and virtual educational and CLE events, leadership dinners, mentorship events, skills clinics, fireside chats, roundtables and networking parties.
The new co-presidents also emphasised the importance of utilising communication tools such as electronic and social media to enhance networking and connection within JICN. For example, “proactive use of posts by newsletter or LinkedIn for updates, events and achievements to keep the network connected, updated, and engaged”.
Additionally, plans are in place to enhance focus on events and speaker introductions, as well as member spotlights.
The new leadership duo recognises resource accessibility challenges but remains optimistic about leveraging JICN’s network. “A volunteer non-profit entity such as ours may have limitations,” they concede.
“However, our greatest resource is our network of experienced in-house counsel and leaders, as well as supporters and collaborators like law firms, partners and our fellow non-profit organisations also serving the Japanese legal community.”
Ultimately, they believe that building a strong community network will enhance connectivity and resource sharing, while also benefiting the professional growth and development of in-house counsel.
