DAINI TOKYO BAR ASSOCIATION

search

• Outline of Daini Tokyo Bar Association
• About the Daini Tokyo Bar Association
• History
• The Mission
• Activities of the Association
• Activities for Members
• Legal Info & Services
• Arbitration and Mediation Center
• If You are Arrested
• Access & Map

History

1872: Promulgation of the "Daigen-nin Kisoku"

During the Meiji era(1868-1912), a modern judicial system was introduced into Japan from Western Europe. The Legal Profession in Japan can be traced back to the "Daigen-nin Kisoku"(Attorney Rules) of that era. Under this system, the Daigen-nin, as attorneys were called then, were authorized to represent clients in court.

1893: Enactment of the first Practicing Attorney Law and Establishment of Local Bar Associations

Under the first Practicing Attorney Law, attorneys were under the supervision of the Chief District Public Prosecutor and the scope of their practice was limited to courtroom work.
Local bar associations were established pursuant to the law,and Tokyo Bar Association was established in Tokyo.

1926: Establishment of Daini Tokyo Bar Association

1933:Amendment to the Practicing Attorney Law
Under the amended law, the scope of legal practice was extended to out-of-court legal matters. However, bar associations remained under the control of the Minister of Justice.

1949: Enactment of the Current Practicing Attorney Law and Establishment of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations

After World War ?, the present Japanese Constitution which is based on the principle of respect for fundamental human rights was promulgated. The existing Practicing Attorney Law is based on this principle.
The complete autonomy of attorneys was established under this law. At the same time, the Japan Federation of Bar Associations (the"Federation"), comprised of individual attorneys and local bar associations, was founded to function as an autonomous body for the regulation of attorneys.

1986: Enactment of the Special Measures Law Regarding the Handling of Legal Business by Foreign Lawyers(the "Foreign Attorneys Law")

Under this law, foreign attorneys who satisfy certain conditions (e.g., reciprocity) are qualified to provide, in Japan, legal services, such as consulting, related to the laws of their own jurisdictions of qualification. These licensed foreign legal consultants (Gaikokuho-Jimu-Bengoshi) cannot represent clients in court or in administrative proceedings.

1994: Amendments to the Foreign Attorney Law

The requirements regarding reciprocity were eased. Licensed foreign legal consultants are now permitted to engage in certain specified types of legal practice jointly with Japanese attorneys.