Entry into force of the act (Law No. 29 of 2014) partially amending the Act on Special Measures concerning the Handling of Legal Services by Foreign Lawyers
As a result of this revision, it became possible to establish a corporation (Registered Foreign Lawyer Corporation) whose purpose is to provide legal services regarding foreign law with Registered Foreign Lawyers as members.
* In accordance with this revision, necessary revisions are being conducted to the Regulation for Enforcement of the Act on Special Measures concerning the Handling of Legal Services by Foreign Lawyers (Ministry of Justice Ordinance No. 7 of 1987), the Ordinance on Services and Accounting Books, etc. of Legal Professional Corporation and Registered Foreign Lawyer Corporation (Ministry of Justice Ordinance No. 62 of 2001) and the Order for the Partial Revision of the Association Registration Order (Order No. 415 of 2015).
Overview of Registered Foreign Lawyer Corporation System
■ Eligibility for Membership
Only Registered Foreign Lawyers are members (Article 50-4)
■ Scope of practice
・Provide legal services regarding foreign law (Article 50-5)
* The establishment of a corporation does not expand the practice that Registered Foreign Lawyers can handle.
・ Prohibits improper involvement of Attorneys at Law when hiring Attorneys at Law (Article 50-11 and Article 50-12)
■ Office
Multiple offices may be established (Article 30, Line 17 of the Attorney Act applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 50-13)
■ Supervision
Supervised by the Bar Association and Japan Federation of Bar Associations (Article 31, Paragraph 1 and Article 45, Paragraph 2 of the Attorney Act applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 21)
Corporation establishment procedures
・ Creation and certification of articles of incorporation
・ Application for establishment registration to the Legal Affairs Bureau with jurisdiction over the location of the principal office
・ Report establishment to the Bar Association