Setsuko Yufu, senior partner at Atsumi Sakai, talks about her career inspiration, advice for women in law, and the significance of mentorship for personal and professional growth.
What inspired you to pursue a career in law, and how has your journey evolved since you started?
It was during my studies in Europe when I encountered EU law and decided that I wanted to pursue it for the rest of my career. After returning to Japan, where there was no chance to work on EU law at the time, I continued to study EU law by participating in academic conferences while developing acumen in corporate law through involvement in large-scale M&A and finance transactions. Through that effort and dedication to my work, and with the globalization of business in Japan, my journey has evolved to handle large international cartel cases and international corporate governance.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the legal profession, especially in Asia?
In the legal profession, it is relatively easy to take control of your work and create your own life plan. However, childbirth, childcare, and caregiving at home can be a heavy burden for women. Talented women are prone to go too far in the pursuit of perfection in all aspects of their work, which leads to a risk of self-destruction. It is crucial to be flexible and not to be obsessed with being always at the top of your game, but rather to step back a little from the front lines to assist your colleagues and focus on studying when you carry a burden; when your burden is alleviated or released, then return to the front lines and put all your strength into your work. It is also important to help your colleagues and to be valuable to others, so that you will be able to garner their understanding and support when needed.
How has mentorship played a role in your career, both as a mentee and a mentor?
Mentorship played a very important role in advancing my legal career. My mentors provided me with invaluable guidance, advice and insights, not just on laws or practice, but rather on the culture and conventions of the male-dominated Japanese business society, the decision-making process in organizations, and the manners that we must learn under such circumstances. Without an understanding of the real business culture and environment, corporate legal advice will be incomplete, lacking the finishing touch. When I become a mentor, I try to give advice to junior colleagues from the perspective of how business society actually works.
