Japan law internship the realisation of a dream
Auckland University law student Aashish Ramanlal says Japan has always held a "magnetic pull" for him, so when the opportunity arose to undertake an internship in Tokyo, he didn't hesitate. Aashish spent three months in Japan interning with leading global law firm Hogan Lovells, working in its mergers and acquisitions team. Outside the office, he immersed himself in life in Tokyo and on weekends explored further afield — taking in the history and beauty of rural Japan.
Aashish "I wanted more than a brief trip to Asia. I wanted to experience what it meant to live and work in a truly international environment."
When I first stepped out of Narita Airport, a rush of excitement hit me — one I’d been building toward for years.
Japan had always held a magnetic pull for me: the blend of tradition and modernity, the food, the culture, the history. Finally being there felt surreal.
On the train into the city, I couldn’t stop staring out the window as Tokyo unfolded in flashes: towering buildings, impossibly neat streets, neon signs glowing softly above quiet neighbourhoods.
It was my first real glimpse of the city’s paradox: fast yet calm, futuristic yet deeply rooted in its past.
After dropping my bags at my apartment, I wandered around the neighbourhood, taking in the unfamiliar sounds and smells. It was exhilarating to be immersed in a world so unlike life back home in New Zealand.
That first evening reminded me exactly why I’d applied for the Asia New Zealand Foundation internship at Hogan Lovells. I wanted more than a brief trip to Asia. I wanted to experience what it meant to live and work in a truly international environment, especially in the world of cross‑border transactions which had always intrigued me.
Aashish says from the moment he started at Hogan Lovells he felt supported and valued
Tokyo’s role as a global business hub made it the perfect setting to see how the concepts I’d studied at university played out in real transactions.
Not long after settling in, I began my internship with the mergers and acquisitions team at Hogan Lovells. From the very first day, I was given meaningful work that brought what I’d learned in university lectures into the real world.
I researched Japan‑specific legal issues, drafted and proofread documents, and helped prepare materials for ongoing legal matters.
Having previously interned at a litigation firm in New Zealand, each task felt like a window into a completely different side of the legal profession: one where commercial consideration shaped every decision.
A snowy day in Tokyo was a chance for Aashish to get out and about and document the city in winter
A significant portion of my internship was also spent working with the marketing and business development team, which introduced me to a completely different side of the firm.
From researching business opportunities to drafting emails and helping with client‑facing materials, I gained a new appreciation for how a top‑tier firm maintains its reputation and builds relationships. For me, it was eye‑opening to see how much strategy and communication sit behind the legal work itself.
The work environment at Hogan Lovells reflected the same blend of structure and warmth I saw throughout Japan.
Meetings were efficient, communication was thoughtful, and there was respect in every interaction.
What surprised me most was how supportive everyone was. Colleagues took the time to explain tasks, offer feedback, and include me in discussions. Even in a high‑pressure environment, there was a professionalism that made it easy to learn and grow.
Aashish's photos from his visit to Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture - an area renowned for it's natural beauty
Outside the office, exploring Tokyo became its own adventure. On weekends, I explored as much as I could.
I hiked up Mount Takao and Mount Mitake, wandered through temple grounds in Asakusa, and got lost in Shinjuku’s neon maze.
I visited Kamakura’s giant Buddha, Yokohama’s waterfront, and the beaches and shrines of Enoshima Island.
I travelled further afield too: soaking in the mountains of Nagano, exploring Matsumoto’s striking black‑and‑white castle, and spending a peaceful day among the temples and waterfalls of Nikko.
And of course, I discovered ramen shops that completely redefined my idea of comfort food.
Over time, the city shifted from overwhelming to familiar. What once felt impossibly vast slowly became a place I could navigate with confidence.
Aashish's photos from a trip to Nagano and Matsumoto in the mountains to the west of Tokyo
Looking back, the internship was a journey that broadened my perspective and left me wanting to return. I would recommend it to anyone curious about learning more about cross border M&A, and curious about Japan. The experience will give you a deeper understanding of Asia, and your place in it.
The Foundation's business programme supports New Zealand companies to better understand Asia so they can make the most of opportunities in the region. It also supports to grow the next generation of Asia-savvy business leaders.
Our internship programme helps interns build a better understanding of the people, place and culture of their Asian host country, while developing industry-specific skills that will benefit them as they progress in their careers.
