English-Speaking Lawyers In Japan: Explained

Finding an English-speaking lawyer in Japan can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially when you’re navigating legal waters far from home, right? Worry Not! We’ve got you covered!

This guide serves as your beacon, illuminating the path to proficient legal assistance in the Land of the Rising Sun. Whether it’s for business, personal matters, or unexpected legal hurdles, we’ve curated a list of English-speaking legal eagles ready to advocate on your behalf.

Let’s dive in!

Why Would You Need An English-Speaking Lawyer In Japan?

You would require an English-speaking lawyer in Japan for several reasons, mostly if you are an expat, foreign investor, or conducting business there.

Here are some common scenarios in which an English-speaking lawyer’s services can be invaluable:

Real Estate Transactions: A lawyer who can review contracts, explain the legal nuances, do due diligence, and ensure that your real estate transaction complies with Japanese laws and regulations is essential when buying or selling property in Japan.
Immigration Matters: An English-speaking attorney can help with visa applications, residency permits, and immigration requirements, ensuring you have the proper legal status if you intend to live, work, or retire in Japan.
Corporate Law: English-speaking attorneys can assist foreign businesses wishing to set up or operate in Japan with establishing legal entities, adhering to tax regulations, and navigating the complexities of Japanese corporate law.
Contract Negotiations: Attorneys fluent in English may assist you in negotiating and drafting contracts, whether for real estate transactions, employment contracts, or business agreements, making sure the terms are clear and compliant with the law.
Dispute Resolution: An English-speaking attorney can represent your interests in court and assist you in navigating the Japanese legal system if you are embroiled in a legal dispute in Japan.
Intellectual Property Rights: Attorneys can help businesses with intellectual property assets by registering trademarks and patents, safeguarding your intellectual property rights in Japan.
Criminal Defense: An English-speaking attorney can protect your rights and represent you in the legal process if you are facing criminal charges or require legal representation in a criminal matter in Japan.
Financial Planning: An attorney who speaks English can counsel investors on investment tactics, tax planning, and compliance with Japanese financial regulations.
Language Barriers: Bridging the language and culture divide is one of the most important reasons to choose an English-speaking lawyer. They can guarantee effective communication and comprehension between you and the Japanese legal system. Fluency in English can be a big advantage in many cases as it prevents misunderstandings and ensures that your legal matters in Japan are handled professionally and by local regulations.

How Much Do English-Speaking Lawyеrs In Japan Cost?

In Japan, English-speaking lawyers often charge around 11,000 yen per hour for individual cases and 15,000 yen per hour for business and corporate cases. They can charge as high as 900,000 yen for a divorce case.

Depending on the complexity of the case, the location of the lawyer’s office, and the lawyer’s experience, the cost of engaging an English-speaking lawyer in Japan can change.

For instance, lawyers in larger cities like Tokyo charge more than lawyers in smaller cities and towns. It is important to remember that these are the average expenses.

Depending on the particulars of your case, the real cost of employing an English-speaking lawyer in Tokyo may be expensive or low. For a quote for legal services, it is always preferable to contact an attorney directly.

What Should You Look For In An English-Speaking Lawyer In Japan?

It is important to consider several aspects while looking for an English-speaking lawyer in Japan to make sure you select the best legal professional to effectively represent your interests and navigate the complexities of Japanese law.

Here are some important things to keep in mind when searching for a Japanese lawyer who speaks English:

Legal Experience: Verify if the attorney specializes in the area of law that pertains to your needs. Regardless of the legal matter—real estate, immigration, business, family, or any other—the attorney should possess experience and a proven track record.
Language Proficiency: The attorney must speak Spanish and English with ease. Effective communication and language proficiency are essential to comprehend your situation and accurately convey your needs.
Legal Requirements: Attest that the attorney is a member of the Colegio de Abogados and has a license to practice law in Japan. This guarantees that they uphold professional standards and are in good standing.
Firsthand Experience: Seek out a lawyer with a demonstrated history of handling cases like yours. Gaining experience can have a big impact on getting the desired result.
Local Expertise: An attorney knowledgeable about the local legal system, rules, and procedures is valuable. They ought to be well-versed in Japanese legislation and how it relates to their circumstances.
Credibility And References: Look for testimonials and references from past clients to assess the reputation and caliber of the lawyer’s services. Individual advice from foreign businesses or expatriates may be helpful.
Openness Costs: Ensure you understand the pricing structure and discuss legal fees upfront. A reputable attorney will offer a written fee agreement specifying the job’s scope and any related expenses.
Accessibility: The attorney needs to be approachable and accountable. They should make you feel at ease talking about your case, and they should promptly update you on developments.
Heritage Sensitivity: A competent attorney ought to possess cultural sensitivity and an understanding of the subtleties of Japanese culture. Effective communication with your lawyer can be especially useful when dealing with personal and family issues.
Moral Guidelines: Make sure the attorney abides by strict ethical guidelines. They ought to keep their confidence and give priority to your interests.
Location: Take into account the lawyer’s geographic location. Depending on your needs, dealing with a lawyer in the same city or region as your legal matters could be advantageous.
Technology: In an increasingly digital environment, determine if the lawyer uses modern technology and has access to legal resources to improve their services.
Attorney-Client Relationship: During the initial consultation, follow your gut. The client-attorney relationship is crucial, and you should trust your lawyer’s skills and feel at ease with them.

It is advisable to speak with several attorneys before making a choice, to ask questions, and to assess each one’s credentials, experience, and suitability for your needs and goals.

In the end, selecting the appropriate English-speaking lawyer in Japan is essential to guarantee that your legal matters are handled competently and effectively.

Best English-Speaking Lawyers In Japan

Here are some of the best English-speaking lawyers in different cities in Japan:

Tokyo

Kamata Legal Counseling Center For Foreigners

It is located on Ogoshi Bldg. 6F, 7-48-3 Nishikamata, Ota-ku, Tokyo.

Kamata Legal Counseling Center For Foreigners Benefits

✅ Convenient Hours: With evening sessions held on Wednesdays and Fridays from 5 pm to 8 pm, the Kamata Legal Counseling Center accommodates individuals who may have daytime commitments or work schedules.

✅ Language Accessibility: The center offers counseling services in multiple languages, including English, Mandarin, Vietnamese, and Spanish, eliminating language barriers and ensuring effective communication for non-Japanese speakers.

✅ Free Interpreters: For those not confident in their Japanese proficiency, the center provides interpreters at no cost, facilitating clearer understanding and enabling clients to express their legal concerns fully.

✅ Expert Legal Guidance: They are operated by three reputable bar associations (Tokyo Bar Association, Daiichi Tokyo Bar Association, and Daini Tokyo Bar Association). Clients can trust the expertise and professionalism of their legal counselors.

✅ Comprehensive Legal Support: The center offers counseling on various legal matters pertinent to foreign residents and international issues, including visa status, recognition of refugee status, naturalization, nationality, and international family matters such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance.

✅ Inclusive Services: Whether it’s civil, commercial, labor, or criminal matters involving foreigners under Japanese law, the Kamata Legal Counseling Center provides inclusive support, ensuring that all legal concerns are addressed comprehensively and effectively.

✅ Appointment Flexibility: Clients can make appointments in advance for counseling sessions by calling during designated hours from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm, Mondays to Fridays (except on national holidays), allowing for better time management and planning.

✅ Accessible Locations: With their counseling center situated in a strategic location, individuals residing in or around the Shinjuku area can easily access legal assistance without having to travel far, promoting convenience and accessibility for residents.

✅ Community Support: By providing vital legal assistance to foreign residents and addressing international legal matters, the center contributes to fostering a supportive and inclusive community environment,

✅ Empowering Individuals: Through expert guidance, language accessibility, and comprehensive legal support, the Center empowers individuals to navigate complex legal processes confidently and clearly.

Get Started With Kamata Legal Counseling Center For Foreigners🔥

Osaka

Ashishta No Shishi

It is located on Shorei Bldg.7F, 3-4-14, Tokyosaki, Kita-ku, Osaka 531-0072, Japan.

Ashishta No Shishi Benefits

✅ Tailored Legal Solutions: At Ashishta No Shishi Legal Office, the legal team is dedicated to providing personalized, tailor-made legal solutions that address each client’s unique concerns and goals.

✅ Expertise: Focusing on supporting non-Japanese residents, the legal office offers services in both Japanese and English, ensuring effective communication and understanding for expatriates and international clients navigating legal matters in Japan.

✅ Accessibility: Clients can consult with experienced lawyers like Atsuro Tsujino, who offer honest and open dialogue about concerns in both private and professional life.

✅ Comprehensive Legal Support: From drafting and reviewing contracts to handling complex legal issues such as M&A, IP licensing, litigation, and international arbitration, their legal team has the expertise and experience to assist clients in various legal matters.

✅ Transparent Pricing: The office operates on a transparent pricing model, with clear rates for legal consultations and contract drafting/review services. Clients can have peace of mind knowing the costs upfront without hidden fees or surprises.

✅ Corporate And Individual Representation: Ashishta No Shishi Legal Office serves corporate and individual clients, ranging from local governments and pharmaceutical companies to individuals seeking legal assistance for personal or professional matters.

✅ Commitment: Representative lawyer Atsuro Tsujino is dedicated to improving the world through independent legal practice.

As a member of the Lawyers Network for Foreigners (LNF), he actively supports non-Japanese residents, contributing to a more inclusive and supportive society.

✅ Experience: With a background that includes experience as an in-house lawyer at Yamaha Motor and representing major clients in the Kansai region, Mr. Atsuro Tsujino. Clients benefit from his diverse experience in finance laws and labor issues.

✅ Flexible Language Support: Whether conducting legal consultations, drafting contracts, or representing clients in negotiations, the office offers services in both Japanese and English, accommodating the language preferences of clients.

✅ Empowering Clients: By providing expert legal guidance and support, Ashishta No Shishi Legal Office empowers clients to confidently navigate legal challenges, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and aspirations in Japan courageously.

Ashishta No Shishi Drawbacks

⛔️Expensive Consultation Fee: Starting from 11,000 yen for 30 minutes, the consultation fee structure may be expensive access to expert legal advice for some people.

⛔️Expensive Contract Fee: Their service is a bit expensive; they charge 27,500 yen per hour, including tax, for a contract in English.

Get Started With Ashishta No Shishi🔥

Nagoya

Nagoya International Law Office

It is located on Access Marunouchi Bldg. 4F, 2-6-21 Marunouchi, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0002 Japan.

Nagoya International Law Office Benefits

✅ International Business: They can assist with drafting and reviewing business contracts, negotiating with Japanese business entities, collecting arrears from Japanese-based businesses, and investigating Japanese enterprises or real estate.

✅ International Divorce: They can assist in international divorce, Hague Convention cases for international child abduction, and visitation or child support cases.

✅ International Inheritance: They can create wills for foreign nationals, execute foreign wills, intestate inheritance cases for foreign nationals, and collect estates from foreign countries.

✅ Immigration Cases: They can aid with acquiring working visas, inviting family to Japan from international countries, acquiring special permission to stay in Japan, and filing the procedures and trials against deportation orders.

✅ Employment Troubles: They can assist with fighting against the employer in the Labor Tribunal and changing visa status after lay-off.

✅ Traffic Accident: They can assist in getting compensation for your injury by a traffic accident, calculating compensation for a traffic accident, negotiating for property damage by a traffic accident, and supporting your visa procedures after traffic accidents.

✅ International Bankruptcy: They can file bankruptcy and civil rehabilitation for international companies, assist with lay-off procedures, change visa status after a lay-off, etc.

✅ Criminal Cases: Their experienced lawyers can assist in criminal procedure matters, obtaining a visa after a guilty judgment, and matters such as Illegal work during provisional release.

✅ Refugee Application: They can process refugee status applications, appeal proceedings for refugee status applications, file trials against the denial of refugee applications, and so forth.

Get Started With Nagoya International Law Office🔥

Kyoto

Keyaki Law Office

It is located at 538 Nijoden-cho, Karasuma-Oike-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto.

Keyaki Law Office Benefits

✅ Accessible Location: Situated on Karasuma Street in Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, the firm’s current location provides convenient access for clients seeking legal assistance.

✅ English-Speaking Services: With a commitment to providing comprehensive support, Keyaki Law Office offers English-speaking services, ensuring clear communication and accessibility for international clients seeking legal counsel in Japan.

✅ Global Reach: The firm’s commitment extends beyond domestic practices, as it also supports overseas practices, offering comprehensive legal assistance to clients with international interests and operations.

✅ Team Of Professionals: The firm comprises seven lawyers and a secretarial staff of ten, ensuring a well-rounded team capable of handling diverse legal issues with efficiency and proficiency.

✅ Specialization: Keyaki Law Office has garnered expertise in assisting condominium owners’ associations, demonstrating a specialized focus that benefits clients seeking legal guidance.

✅ Established Expertise: With roots tracing back to 1985, they boast a long-standing presence in Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan. This extensive experience underscores their ability to provide knowledgeable and practiced legal assistance.

Get Started With Keyaki Law Office🔥

Conclusion

With the right English-speaking lawyer by your side, the complexities of Japan’s legal system become navigable, and peace of mind is within reach. This guide has aimed to bridge the gap between expats and accessible, reliable legal assistance in Japan.

Remember, being prepared is half the battle won. So, as you move forward, do so with the confidence that you have the support you need, right here in Japan.

Justice Joined!

But wait! There’s lot more that you might be interested in following: