Beyer, Vicki L. --- "Internationalisation of the Legal Profession in Japan: Integration by Increments" [2010] ELECD 421; in Hiscock, Mary; van Caenegem, William (eds), "The Internationalisation of Law" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2010)

Book Title: The Internationalisation of Law

Editor(s): Hiscock, Mary; van Caenegem, William

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781849801027

Section: Chapter 5

Section Title: Internationalisation of the Legal Profession in Japan: Integration by Increments

Author(s): Beyer, Vicki L.

Number of pages: 12

Extract:

5. Internationalisation of the legal
profession in Japan: integration by
increments
Vicki L. Beyer*

The practice of law in Japan has never been more internationalised, both
in terms of the ability of domestic lawyers to advise international clients or
advise on international/transnational matters and in terms of the ability of
foreign lawyers to participate in either of those activities. Yet some would
argue that there is still progress to be made. In order to fully appreciate
the current state of internationalisation, it is important to provide some
background information and trace the evolution of internationalisation
of the Japanese legal profession. Accordingly, this chapter will examine
the evolution of the Japanese legal profession as well as the evolution of
the ability of foreign lawyers to practice in Japan, before turning to the
various issues that the resulting internationalisation has either introduced
or resolved.


THE JAPANESE LEGAL PROFESSION

The legal profession in Japan dates back to the late nineteenth century
when Japan first began the process of modernising and Westernising its
legal system. One criticism that is often levied at Japan is that there are not
enough lawyers. Certainly when compared to countries like the United
States of America (US) and Australia, on a per capita basis Japan looks to
have a small legal profession. However, there are in fact various categories
of legal professionals, each of which has its own area of practice. When all
the categories are taken into consideration, the number of professionals
offering legal advice in Japan ...