With social change and development, the expected social responsibilities of lawyers are also changing and expanding. To facilitate the timely implementation of a broader range of activities, in addition to conventional public service activities, in response to such societal needs, we have established the Pro Bono Promotion Committee and actively promote pro bono activities by our lawyers and staff members.
Moreover, we believe that law firms, similar to corporations, are in a position to address SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) as members of society. Through our pro bono and other public service activities, we, therefore, are committed to contributing to the improvement of access to justice and the realization of an inclusive society, in which diversity is accepted and every individual is respected.
Pro Bono
Our lawyers are actively engaged in pro bono activities, in which they support organizations and individuals who carry out socially beneficial activities, by leveraging the knowledge and know-how they have cultivated through their daily practice as lawyers. Our firm has established a system to certify and support a variety of pro bono activities by each lawyer, enabling our lawyers to easily participate in pro bono activities.
(Examples)
- Provided legal support to asylum seekers
- Provided editorial support for a children’s book about laws
- Provided contract-related support in relation to climate change projects
- Participated in a review project regarding the Japanese government’s response to COVID-19
- Participated in the “Marriage For All” Lawsuit
Public Service Activities in Bar Associations
Many of our lawyers serve as court-appointed defense counsel in designated court cases, or are assigned by the bar association to counsel suspects prior to their being formally charged. Furthermore, we assist in providing legal consultation services and participate in other committee activities provided by the bar association or other similar organizations.
Public Service Activities in Ministries and Governmental Organizations
Many of our lawyers have been dispatched to Japan’s ministries and governmental organizations to support their legislative and administrative activities. Our lawyers also serve as members of various councils and committees of governmental organizations.
Public Service Activities in Educational Institutions
Many of our lawyers actively engage in training the younger generation of legal professionals by lecturing as adjunct law school professors at Japanese universities, law schools or other similar institutions. Our firm also takes on legal trainees and interns from Japan and overseas.
International Public Service Activities
Our firm actively participates in the activities of international legal networks such as the International Bar Association (IBA) and the Inter-Pacific Bar Association (IPBA).
