Admission to practise in Japan
There are two possible routes for lawyers admitted in Australia to practise in Japan - to be admitted as a gaikokuko-jimu-bengoshi or to work under a gaikoku-jimu-bengoshi.
Gaikokuko-jimu-bengoshi
Foreign lawyers are qualified to work in Japan if they qualify to be admitted as a 'gaikokuko-jimu-bengoshi'. In order to work as a gaikokuko-jimu-bengoshi or a 'gaiben' you must obtain approval from the Minister of Justice. You must be admitted in your home country and have had at least three years of experience practicing law; you must have the intention to perform the functions of the role faithfully and have established residence in Japan; and you must not be bankrupt or have any criminal convictions.
The Special Measures Law Concerning the Handling of Legal Business by Foreign Lawyers is the law which regulates foreign lawyers.
Working under a Gaikokuko-jimu-bengoshi
You are still able to work as a lawyer in Japan without becoming a gaikokuko-jimu-bengoshi by being employed by a foreign firm in Japan and practising under the title of the gaikokuko-jimu-bengoshi whose name is used to register the office.
For further information contact the Japan Federation of Bar Associations.
Japan Federation of Bar Associations
1-1-3 Kasumigaseki
Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100-0013
Japan
TEL: +81 (0)3 3580 9741
FAX: +81 (0)3 3580 9840
E-mail: international@nichibenren.or.jp
http://www.nichibenren.or.jp/en/index.html
Information on the Japanese legal environment and a directory of firms in Japan is available on Legal 500.