how to be a lawyer in japan

by Dr. Jesse Spencer MD 5 min read

However, to become a lawyer, it is necessary to go to law school, pass the bar exam, and complete the LTRI. As of August 2014, there are 35,031 attorneys registered with bar associations in Japan, which is up from 22,049 in April 2005. Due to cultural traditions, Japanese have rarely used lawsuits as a means to settle disputes.

In order to qualify as an attorney, one must complete a law school curriculum, pass the bar examination, and complete an apprenticeship at the Legal Training and Research Institute. One may sit for the bar examination after graduating from a law school.

Full Answer

How do I become a foreign lawyer in Japan?

In order for any person qualified as a lawyer in a foreign country to provide legal services in Japan, he or she needs to register as a registered foreign lawyer. First, approval from the Minister of Justice shall be obtained to be qualified as a registered foreign lawyer, for which certain conditions need to be fulfilled, such as three years of job experience, among other conditions.

What is the average salary of a Japanese lawyer?

Jan 30, 2018 · With its fascinating culture and a buzzing capital city, Japan has long been a destination of choice for lawyers seeking to grow their career overseas. On the economic front, despite well-known ...

What is the legal profession in Japan?

Answer (1 of 4): I hope the question isn’t out of idle curiosity — because this answer is money in your pocket if you’re actually contemplating of working in the legal field in Japan. Different legal universe altogether The first point to realise is that jurisprudence, legal framework and the l...

Do I need a lawyer when arrested in Japan?

Feb 12, 2016 · Some deem the preliminary exam as a platinum ticket, or an elite route to be a lawyer.” The passing rate of the preliminary test is dismal, just 3.8 percent in 2015. By 2015, the number of lawyers in Japan had almost doubled to 36,451, a 93.5 percent jump from 2002. But now, said Furuta, some claim there are too many lawyers.

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Can foreigners become lawyers in Japan?

To qualify as a Registered Foreign Lawyer in Japan, a foreign lawyer must have at least three years of post-qualification experience in the jurisdiction where he/she is qualified (i.e., outside Japan).Sep 21, 2020

Is it hard to become a lawyer in Japan?

Japanese Bar exam is known as one of the most difficult exams in the world. Although the bar pass rates are getting higher after the structural reform in 2006, only around 20% of the law school graduates pass the bar.

How can I become a lawyer in Japan?

Do a Japanese law degree at a Japanese university — graduate degree, ca. 3 years, entry requires an undergraduate degree.Pass the Japanese national Bar exam (shiho shiken 司法試験)Complete a one-year internship — supervised by the Japanese Supreme Court via its Shiho Kenshujo 司法研修所 (Legal Training and Research Institute)

Are lawyers in demand in Japan?

Is there a demand for legal professionals? Japan is faced with a shortage of qualified candidates with strong English language and communication skills. In particular, there is a high demand for lawyers who have a strong understanding of the sensitivity of commercial demands within the country.

How long is law school in Japan?

One may sit for the bar examination after graduating from a law school. The law school system started in 2004, and the law course takes three years in general, or two years for those with basic knowledge of legal studies.

How long is Japan law school?

Earning a law degree in Japan now takes between five and seven years. Since 2006, Japanese bar examinations require students possess a law school degree before taking the exam.

Where can I study law in Japan?

Kyushu University - Graduate School of Law. ... Keio University Law School (KLS) ... University of Tokyo · 東京大学 ... Nagoya University - Graduate School of Law. ... Waseda University - Graduate School of Law. ... Beasley School of Law at Temple University, Japan Campus. ... Chuo University - Graduate School of Law. ... Doshisha University Imadegawa.

Is there law school in Japan?

Keio Law School: Tokyo, Japan Keio University enjoys a proud tradition as Japan's first private institution of higher learning. The university was founded in 1858 by Yukichi Fukuzawa, who is considered to be the “Father of Modern Education” in Japan.

Can foreigners take the Japanese bar exam?

While foreigners are eligible to take the bar exam, only Japanese nationals were previously allowed to take the legal training that was required to practice law.Apr 21, 2018

How much do lawyers in Japan make?

The average pay for a Lawyer is JPY 13,583,090 a year and JPY 6,530 an hour in Japan. The average salary range for a Lawyer is between JPY 9,341,150 and JPY 16,916,174.

What is the legal profession in Japan?

The legal profession in Japan ( hōsō) comprises judges, prosecutors and attorneys. In Japan, judges are not selected from experienced lawyers, but instead are selected after the one-year of mandatory "Legal Training Research Institute".

What are Japanese customs?

Historically, Japanese customs instituted an avoidance of legal involvement, based upon Confucian doctrines, and Japanese principles of harmony; anyone brought before a court for a criminal or civil matter suffered public and private humiliation, since they disrupted harmony.

What is the second stage of law school?

The second stage is a three-day essay examination concerning public law, civil law and criminal law, as well as subjects that can be selected by the examinee (including labor law, environmental law, public international law, and private international law). In addition, a law school requirement was introduced.

When was the Attorney Act passed?

The Attorney Act (弁護士法, bengoshihō) was promulgated in 1949, which officially laid down the mission of an attorney at law, as well as establishing other requirements for those in the profession.

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What is the legal system of Japan?

The legal system of Japan is based upon civil law. Under Japanese criminal law, the accused is innocent until proven guilty and the burden of proof rests with the prosecutor. The defendant must be given the benefit of the doubt.

How long can you be held in Japan?

If you are arrested, you can be held for up to 23 days, with a possibility of extension, without being formally charged with a crime. First, the Japanese police may detain you for up to 48 hours. During this time, they are required to inform you of the crime of which you are suspected, of your right to remain silent, of your right to hire a lawyer at your own expense and of your right to have the Embassy of Canada notified of your arrest. Under Japanese law, the police are allowed to begin their initial questioning before you see a lawyer.

What is the role of a public prosecutor?

The role of the public prosecutor is to present facts and information to the court to establish the guilt of a defendant and request the court to punish the defendant in accordance with the provisions of the law. The decision to plead “guilty” or “not guilty” is entirely the decision of the defendant. The court system in Japan consists of summary ...

How long does it take to get deported from Japan?

A deportation order will be issued within 60 days from the beginning of this immigration detention. If you have strong ties to Japan, especially a spouse or children living in Japan with valid status, you may be given a special permission of residence instead of a deportation order. Being in detention is not considered an excuse for overstaying the period of your current residential status.

Can Canadians be represented in Japan?

Your choice of legal representation in Japan can be critically important and should be made with care. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of lawyers who have expertise in your particular type of case and who may have represented Canadians in the past. They cannot, however, select or recommend a specific lawyer. You may prefer to hire a lawyer who is not on the list. This decision remains your responsibility. For further information, please consult the section on selecting a lawyer in the brochure A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad.

Does Canada have a transfer of offender treaty with Japan?

Canada has a transfer of offender treaty with Japan that enables Canadians convicted of offences in Japan to serve their prison sentence in a Canadian penal institution if both the Canadian and Japanese governments consent to the transfer. Transfers are not automatically granted. An application for transfer can be submitted only after you have been convicted and sentenced, and there are no legal processes pending.

How many judges are there in the Saiban?

Six members of the general public are selected at random and tasked with sitting alongside the three-judge panel. Saiban-in proceedings are generally conducted for serious crimes including homicide, robbery causing death or injury, drug offences, arson of inhabited buildings and kidnapping for ransom.

How to work in Japan?

There are two main ways to work for yourself in Japan. The first one ( the easiest) is to become a freelancer, also known as a sole proprietor. The second more difficult and financially strenuous route is to start your own business. To start your own business, you will need to secure the Business Manager visa.

What are the forms for sole proprietorship?

The sole proprietorship has two forms: the white form and the blue form. If your business requires a lot of operational costs (which you need to claim at tax time), then you’ll have to fill out the blue form. However, if you’re working a job like a translator or a writer and perhaps your most significant expenses are a new computer and some overseas travel, then the white form should be fine!

Is it better to have a group of smaller clients than one big client?

This point is obvious but probably worth mentioning. In terms of clients, it’s often better to have a group of smaller ones than just one big client, because if anything were to happen and you were to lose that one big client, you’ll be left in a precarious position.

What is it like to live in Japan?

Living in Japan means adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle . This involves sorting out your trash at home and being a pro at the 3Rs – recycling, reducing, and reusing. There are many rules to follow, such as bringing out your trash for the pickup truck to collect on the designated days.

Which country has the highest ageing population?

Since Japan is the top country with an ageing population, a sudden influx of elderly in need of healthcare services will cost them their weight in gold. 8. Japanese citizens need to notify the government before visiting Antarctica. Image credit: @hisano0101.

How long can you be in jail for putting ice cream in mailboxes?

Putting ice cream in mailboxes may sound like a harmless prank, but in Japan, you may be imprisoned for up to 5 years or fined a maximum of ¥500,000 (~USD4731.68) for doing so.

Is it illegal to wear a mini skirt in Japan?

Even though many Japanese girls wear mini skirts, it’s actually illegal to expose your thighs or buttocks in public according to the Light Crimes Act passed in 1948. However, most people don’t know about this rule and it’s rarely enforced.

Can a married couple live separately?

It’s illegal for married couples to live separately unless there is a “just cause”. Image credit: @ksenirudenko. If you are married, you have to stay together. The only exception is if you have a justified reason, such as work or health-related issues.

Do you need to inform the government of your next holiday destination?

Most people don’t need to inform the government of their next holiday destination. But in Japan, you’d need to do so if you’re going to Antarctica. In 1997, Japan signed an Antarctic Treaty pledging to keep Antarctica safe from environmental harm. As part of the treaty, Japan restricts citizens from taking part in activities that could damage the environment in Antarctica.

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Overview

The legal industry

The legal profession in Japan (hōsō) comprises judges, prosecutors and attorneys. In Japan, judges are not selected from experienced lawyers, but instead are selected after the one-year of mandatory "Legal Training Research Institute".
More than 100 universities have an undergraduate law faculty, which means that many people study law at the undergraduate level and go work for companies in a role that is unrelated to law…

History

Historically, Japanese customs instituted an avoidance of legal involvement, based upon Confucian doctrines, and Japanese principles of harmony; anyone brought before a court for a criminal or civil matter suffered public and private humiliation, since they disrupted harmony.
Nevertheless, by the 18th century, innkeepers in Edobegan offering simple legal services for guests. They were known as Kujishi. By the 19th century, references began to appear in Japanes…

Qualification

With several minor exceptions, attorneys at law are required to pass a national bar examination (司法試験, shihō shiken, lit. "legal examination") followed by one year of internship, supervised by the Legal Research and Training Institute (司法研修所, Shihō Kenshūjo) of the Supreme Court of Japan.
There were 72 law schools as of July 2013 in Japan. Applications in law school in Japan has be…

Bar association membership

In addition to passing bar examinations, an attorney must also be a member of the bar association (弁護士会, bengoshikai) for the prefecture where the law office is located. According to a 2008 survey by the Japanese Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA), 39.4% of all lawyers belong to the three Tokyo bar associations (Tokyo Bar Association, First Tokyo Bar Association, and Second Tokyo Bar Association).

See also

• Judicial system of Japan
• Phoenix Wright

External links

• Japan Federation of Bar Associations