Article 1(1)An attorney is entrusted with the mission of protecting fundamental human rights and achieving social justice.

(2)In keeping with the mission set forth in the preceding paragraph, an attorney must perform duties in good faith and endeavor to maintain the social order and improve the legal system.

Article 2An attorney must endeavor to remain high standards of sophistication and develop a high moral character, and must acquire a mastery of laws, regulations and legal practices.

Article 3(1)The duties of an attorney are, at the request of the party or the concerned parties, or through legal practices entrusted by a public agency, to file appeals against administrative authorities, such as lawsuits, non-contentious cases, administrative reviews, objections, requests for re-examination,, and conduct other general legal practices.

(2)An attorney may, without any further qualifications, provide services of patent attorneys and certified public tax accountants.

Article 4A person who has completed the legal apprentice training course is qualified to become an attorney.

Article 5Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding Article, a person who has met any of the requirements set forth in the following items and is certified by the Minister of Justice afterward as having completed a training course for attorney services, that is designated by the Minister of Justice and implemented by a corporation specified in the Ministry of Justice Order, is qualified to become an attorney.

Article 5-2(1)A person who intends to become qualified as an attorney pursuant to the provisions of the preceding Article must submit to the Minister of Justice a written application for certification containing the information, such as their name, the date they acquired the qualification to become a legal apprentice or passed the examination referred to in Article 18, paragraph (3) of the Public Prosecutor's Office Act, the duration of service referred to in item (i) or (iii) of the preceding Article or the duration of duty referred to in item (ii) of that Article, as well as the details of duties under that item, specified by Ministry of Justice Order.

(2)The documents specified by the Ministry of Justice Order, such as a document certifying that the applicant has acquired the qualification to become a legal apprentice or passed the examination referred to in Article 18, paragraph (3) of the Public Prosecutor's Office Act; documents certifying the duration of service prescribed in items (i) or (iii) of the preceding Article or the duration of service prescribed in item (ii) of that Article, as well as the details of the relevant services; must be attached to the application for certification referred to in the preceding paragraph.

(3)A person submitting an application pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) must pay a fee prescribed by Cabinet Order, which is determined by taking actual expenses into account.

Article 5-3(1)If the Minister of Justice confirms that a person submitting an application pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article (hereinafter referred to as the "applicant" in this Chapter) falls under any of the items of Article 5, the Minister must assign the applicant the training course set forth in that Article (hereinafter simply referred to as the "training course" in this Article) and send a written notice on the training course to the applicant.

(2)When an applicant completes all training course programs, the corporation implementing the training course must, without delay, provide a written report to the Minister of Justice regarding whether the applicant has completed the training course (including the corporation's opinion about whether or not the Minister of Justice may certify that the applicant has completed all training course programs), pursuant to the provision of Ministry of Justice Order.

(3)When the Minister of Justice confirms that the applicant has completed all training course programs based on the report set forth in the preceding paragraph, the Minister must issue the certification set forth in Article 5 (hereinafter simply referred to as "certification") to the applicant.

(4)When the Minister of Justice issues a certification or dismisses an application submitted pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, the Minister must issue a written notice of certification or dismissal to the applicant.

Article 5-4(1)The Minister of Justice must not designate a training course pursuant to the provisions of Article 5 unless the Minister finds that the contents of the training course are appropriate and sufficient enough for the acquisition of the abilities necessary to provide attorney services.

(2)The corporation implementing the training course may state an opinion to the Minister of Justice regarding the designation of the training course referred to in the preceding paragraph.

(3)The Minister of Justice may, to the extent necessary to ensure that the training course referred to in Article 5 is implemented in a proper and steady manner, require the corporation implementing the training course to submit reports or materials necessary for the training course, or state any necessary opinions.

Article 5-5If the Minister of Justice finds it necessary for the handling of administrative functions relating to certifications, the Minister may request an applicant to submit necessary materials, or request public offices, public or private organizations or other relevant persons to report necessary particulars after making inquiries.

Article 5-6Beyond what is set forth in this Act, particulars necessary for certification procedures are prescribed by Ministry of Justice Order.

Article 6Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 4, a person who has served as a Justice of the Supreme Court is qualified to become an attorney.

Article 7Notwithstanding the provisions of Articles 4, 5 or 6, persons specified below are not qualified to become an attorney:

Article 8To become an attorney, a person must have their name registered in the roll of attorneys maintained by the Japan Federation of Bar Associations.

Article 9To become an attorney, a person must file a request for registration with the Japan Federation of Bar Associations through the bar association which they intend to join.

Article 10(1)In order for an attorney to transfer the bar association of which the attorney holds a membership, the attorney must file a request for transfer of registration with the Japan Federation of Bar Associations through the bar association which the attorney intends to join.

(2)If an attorney files a request for transfer of registration, the attorney must notify the bar association of which they hold a membership of their request.

Article 11If an attorney intends to cease their practice, they must file a request for revocation of registration with the Japan Federation of Bar Associations through the bar association of which they hold a membership.

Article 12(1)Bar associations may refuse a request for registration or a request for transfer of registration filed by an applicant who may disturb the bar association's order or harm its reputation, or an applicant who falls under any of the following items and may be unfit to practice law, pursuant to a resolution adopted by its qualifications screening board:

(2)The preceding paragraph applies to an applicant who, in the last one year prior to their request for registration or transfer of registration, was a full-time public employee in the district of the relevant bar association, and who may be particularly unfit to practice law within that district.

(3)If a bar association refuses to transmit a request pursuant to the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs, it must promptly give a written notice of refusal stating the reason to the person who has filed the request for registration or request for transfer of registration.

(4)If a bar association has failed to transmit the request to the Japan Federation of Bar Associations after three months of having received the request for registration or transfer of registration, a person who filed the request for registration or request for transfer of registration may deem that the transmission of the request is rejected, and may file a request for administrative review under the provisions of the Administrative Appeal Act (Act No. 160 of 1962).

Article 12-2(1)If the Japan Federation of Bar Associations is to make a decision on a request for administrative review under the provisions of the Administrative Appeal Act (including the request for administrative review under the provisions of paragraph (4) of the preceding Article) regarding a refusal to transmit a request for registration or transfer of registration under the provisions ofthe preceding Article, the Japan Federation of Bar Associations must make an administrative determination based on the resolution adopted by its qualifications screening board.

(2)If the Japan Federation of Bar Associations finds grounds for the request for administrative review referred to in the preceding paragraph, it must order the bar association to transmit the request for registration or transfer of registration.

Article 13(1)If an attorney has made false statements regarding the particulars set forth in paragraph (1), items (i) or (ii), or in paragraph (2) of Article 12, or there is a likelihood that the attorney may be unfit to practice law because of a mental disorder or physical disability, the bar association may, based on the resolution adopted by its qualifications screening board, request the Japan Federation of Bar Associations to revoke the attorney's registration.

(2)If a bar association files a request referred to in the preceding paragraph, it must promptly give a notice of revocation of attorney's registration and the reasons in writing to the attorney.

Article 14(1)A person against whom a request for revocation of registration has been filed pursuant to the provisions of the preceding Article may file an objection with the Japan Federation of Bar Associations within a period not exceeding sixty days from the day following the day on which the notice was received.

(2)If the Japan Federation of Bar Associations receives an objection referred to in the preceding paragraph, it must, based on the resolution adopted by its qualifications screening board, either send the request for revocation of registration back to the bar association if it finds that the person who has filed the objection has grounds for objection, or must reject the objection if it finds that that person has no grounds.

(3)If the Japan Federation of Bar Associations makes a decision on the disposition referred to in the preceding paragraph, it must promptly give a notice of disposition and the reasons in writing to the person who has filed the objection.

Article 15(1)When the Japan Federation of Bar Associations receives the request for registration or request for transfer of registration transmitted by a bar association, if the Federation finds it proper to refuse the request for the reasons set forth in Article 12, paragraphs (1) and (2), it may refuse the registration or transfer of registration based on the resolution adopted by its qualifications screening board.

(2)If the Japan Federation of Bar Associations refuses registration or transfer of registration pursuant to the preceding paragraph, it must promptly give a notice of registration or transfer of registration and the reason in writing to the person who has filed a request for registration or transfer of registration and to the bar association which transmitted the request.

Article 16(1)A person whose request for administrative review of a refusal to transmit their request for registration or transfer of registration under the provisions of Article 12 was dismissed or rejected, or whose objection under the provisions of Article 14, paragraph (1) was rejected, or whose request for registration or transfer of registration was refused pursuant to the provisions of the preceding Article, may file a lawsuit for the revocation of administrative disposition in the Tokyo High Court.

(2)If, three months after receiving a request for examination of a refusal to transmit the request for registration or the request for transfer of registration under the provisions of Article 12 or the objection under the provisions of Article 14, paragraph (1), the Japan Federation of Bar Associations has not made an administrative determination or taken a disciplinary action referred to in Article 14, paragraph (2), or if it has failed to register or transfer the registration in the roll of attorneys within three months of receiving a transmitted request for registration or transfer of registration, the person who filed the request for administrative review or the objection, or filed the request for registration or transfer of registration may deem that the request for administrative review or the objection has been rejected or the request for registration or transfer of registration has been refused, and may file a lawsuit referred to in the preceding paragraph.

(3)With regard to the refusal to transmit the request for registration or the request for transfer of registration, a lawsuit for the revocation of administrative disposition may be filed only against the administrative determination made by the Japan Federation of Bar Associations.

Article 17The Japan Federation of Bar Associations must unregister an attorney from its roll of attorneys in the following cases:

Article 18If a bar association finds that it has grounds to unregister a member from its roll of attorneys, it must promptly report the grounds to the Japan Federation of Bar Associations.

Article 19The Japan Federation of Bar Associations must promptly give a notice of an attorney's registration, transfer of registration, or revocation of registration from the roll of attorneys to the bar association of which the attorney holds a membership, and make the relevant registration, transfer of registration, or revocation of registration public in the Official Gazette.

Article 20(1)The office of an attorney is called a "law office".

(2)A law office must be established within the district of the bar association of which the attorney holds a membership.

(3)An attorney may not establish two or more law offices under any name whatsoever; provided, however, that practicing at the law office of another attorney is not prohibited.

Article 21An attorney must immediately notify the bar association of which they hold a membership and the Japan Federation of Bar Associations when they establish or relocates their law office.

Article 22An attorney must observe the articles of association of the bar association of which they hold a membership and of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations.

Article 23Unless otherwise provided by law, an attorney or a former attorney has the right and bears the duty to maintain the confidentiality of any facts which they may have learned in the course of performing their duties.

Article 23-2(1)An attorney may request the bar association of which they hold a membership to make inquiries to public offices or public or private organizations so that they may provide information necessary for a case taken by the attorney. The bar association may refuse the request if it finds that the request is inappropriate.

(2)A bar association may, pursuant to the request referred to in the preceding paragraph, request public offices or public or private organizations to provide necessary information.

Article 24An attorney may not decline, without due reason, to undertake matters entrusted by the public agencies pursuant to the provisions of laws and regulations, or to undertake matters designated by the bar association of which they hold a membership or by the Japan Federation of Bar Associations pursuant to the provisions of their articles of association.

Article 25An attorney must not take the cases specified below; provided, however, that this does not apply for the cases specified in items (iii) and (ix), if the client of a case undertaken by the attorney gives their consent:

Article 26An attorney must not, in connection with any case undertaken by the attorney, receive, demand, or promise to receive any profit from the other party.

Article 27An attorney must not undertake any cases referred by a person who is in violation of any of the provisions of Articles 72 throgh74, or allow these persons to utilize their name.

Article 28An attorney may not take over any rights that are in dispute.

Article 29When an attorney decides not to take a case, they must promptly notify the client of their decision.

Article 30(1)If an attorney falls under any of the following items, the attorney must notify the bar association of which they hold a membership of the matters set forth in the relevant items.

(2)A bar association must prepare a roll of attorneys at law engaged in a for-profit businesses for a person who has filed a notification under the provisions of the preceding paragraph, which include the particulars set forth in each item of that paragraph, and keep the roll of attorneys at the office of the bar association for public inspection.

(3)A person who has filed a notification under the provisions of paragraph (1) must, if any changes are made to the particulars pertaining the notification, notify the bar association of which they hold a membership, without delay. The same applies if a person discontinues the business pertaining to the notification, or a person ceases to serve as a director, etc. or an employee pertaining to the notification.

(4)When a notification under the provisions of the preceding paragraph is filed, the bar association must immediately make changes to or delete the particulars registered in the roll of attorneys at law engaged in for-profit businesses.

Article 30-2(1)An attorney may establish a corporation to provide the general legal services under the provisions of Article 3 (hereinafter referred to as "legal professional corporation") pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter.

(2)The provisions of Article 1 apply mutatis mutandis to a legal professional corporation.

Article 30-3A legal professional corporation must include the words "legal professional corporation" in its name.

Article 30-4(1)The members of a legal professional corporation must be an attorney.

(2)The persons specified below may not become a memberof a legal professional corporation.

Article 30-5In addition to the legal services under the provisions of Article 3, a legal professional corporation may, pursuant to the provisions of its articles of incorporation, engage in all or part of any businesses designated by Ministry of Justice Order, as those an attorney may practice pursuant to the provisions of laws and regulations.

Article 30-6(1)For the legal services set forth below, a legal professional corporation is to provide the legal services that the corporation assigns to its members or employees ("members, etc.") upon request from its client. In this case, the legal professional corporation must allow the client to appoint its representative, defense counsel, attendant, or assistant in court from among the legal professional corporation's members, etc.

(2)A legal professional corporation may not be exempted from liability to pay compensation for damages incurred by the client in connection with the legal services specified in the preceding paragraph, unless it proves that the members, etc. used due care in providing the relevant legal services.

Article 30-7(1)All legal professional corporations must be registered pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Order.

(2)Details required to be registered pursuant to the provisons of the preceding paragraph may not be duly asserted against a third party until the registration thereof has been completed.

Article 30-8(1)In order to establish a legal professional corporation, the attorneys who are to become members thereof must prepare articles of incorporation.

(2)The provisions of Article 30, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act (Act No. 86 of 2005) apply mutatis mutandis to the articles of incorporation of a legal professional corporation.

(3)The articles of incorporation of a legal profession corporation must include, at least, the following particulars.

Article 30-9A legal professional corporation is formed upon registration of its establishment in the district in which its principal law office is located.

Article 30-10A legal professional corporation must, within two weeks from the date of its establishment, give a notification of establishment to the bar association of which it holds a membership and to the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, together with copies of a certificate of registered information of the legal professional corporation and its articles of incorporation.

Article 30-11(1)A legal professional corporation may amend its articles of incorporation with unanimous agreement of all members, unless otherwise provided for in the articles of incorporation.

(2)A legal professional corporation must, within two weeks from the date of amendment to its articles of incorporation, notify the bar association of which it holds a membership and the Japan Federation of Bar Associations of the amendment.

Article 30-12All members of a Legal Professional Corporation have the right and obligation to provide legal services unless otherwise provided for in its articles of incorporation.

Article 30-13(1)Each member of a legal professional corporation who provides its legal services represents the legal professional corporation.

(2)The provisions of the preceding paragraph do not preclude a legal professional corporation from designating certain members who must act as a representative thereof from among the members who provide its legal services, in accordance with its articles of incorporation or with unanimous consent of all members.

(3)A member who represents a legal professional corporation has the authority to conduct all judicial and non-judicial activities regarding the legal services of the legal professional corporation.

(4)The legal professional corporation may not duly assert the restrictions imposed on the authority referred to in the preceding paragraph against a third party acting in good faith.

(5)A member representing a legal professional corporation may delegate their authority over certain acts to another person, unless prohibited by the articles of incorporation.

Article 30-14(1)A legal professional corporation may designate a member to be in charge of a specific case.

(2)With respect to a designated case under the provisions of preceding paragraph (hereinafter referred to as a "designated case"), only the designated member (hereinafter referred to as a "designated member") has the right and obligation to provide the legal services .

(3)Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding Article, only the designated member represents the legal professional corporation with respect to the designated case.

(4)If a legal professional corporation designates a member pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1), it must give a written notice of designation to the client of the designated case.

(5)A client may request the legal professional corporation to clarify, by specifying a reasonable period of time, whether or not the legal professional corporation will designate a member who undertakes the case under the provisions of paragraph (1) within that periodt. In this case, if the legal professional corporation fails to give a notice under the preceding paragraph within that period, it may not designate a member after the deadline has passed; provided, however, that this does not preclude the legal professional corporation from designating a member with the consent of the client.

(6)If the designated member becomes unavailable before the legal services for the designated case have completed, the legal professional corporation must designate a new member. If the legal professional corporation fails to designate a new member, all of its members are deemed to have been designated to undertake the designated case.

(7)When a legal professional corporation that has only one member is requested to undertake a case, the member is deemed to have been designated to undertake the case.

Article 30-15(1)If a legal professional corporation is unable to pay off its obligations by selling its assets, each member is jointly and severally liable to pay the obligations.

(2)If a compulsory execution against a legal professional corporation's assets was unsuccessful, the provisions of the preceding paragraph also apply.

(3)The provisions of the preceding paragraph do not apply if a member proves that the legal professional corporation has sufficient resources and that a compulsory execution can be easily enforced.

(4)If a member has been designated pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article and a notice has been given pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (4) of that Article (including cases in which a member is deemed to have been designated pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (6) or (7) of that Article), and when the legal professional corporation is unable to pay off its obligations owed to the client with respect to the designated case by selling its assets, notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1), the designated member (including those who were designated members; hereinafter the same applies in this Article) is jointly and severally liable to pay the obligations; provided, however, that this does not apply if they prove that a designated member who has resigned from the legal professional corporation takes on debts due to the reasons they had after their resignation.

(5)In the case referred to in the preceding paragraph, if a compulsory execution against a legal professional corporation's assets based on client's claims with respect to a designated case is unsuccessful, the provisions of preceding paragraph also applies, except when a designated member proves that the legal professional corporation has sufficient resources and that a compulsory execution can be easily enforced.

(6)In the case referred to in paragraph (4), if a member who is not a designated member has been involved in legal proceedings on a designated case, regardless of whether the member has been involved in the case before or after it is designated, they assume the same responsibility borne by the designated member pursuant to the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs, unless they are able to prove that they used due care when they involved in the case. The same applies after they resign from the legal professional corporation.

(7)The provisions of Article 612 of the Companies Act apply mutatis mutandis to the resignation of a member of a legal professional corporation; provided, however, that this does not apply to the obligations of a legal professional corporation owed to a client with respect to a designated case referred to in paragraph (4).

Article 30-16If a person who is not a member of a legal professional corporation acts in a way that mislead others to believe that they are a member, that person bears the same responsibilities as a member for any party who entered into a transaction with the legal professional corporation based on false beliefs.

Article 30-17A legal professional corporation must have its member, who holds the membership of the bar association in the district in which the law office is located, (the bar associations of which the legal professional corporation holds a membership, if there are two or more bar associations in that district; hereinafter the same applies in this Article) reside in its law office; provided, however, that this does not apply to secondary law office if the bar association in the district in which the secondary law office is located allows the legal professional corporation to decide not to have its member reside in its secondary law office, taking into consideration of the distribution of attorneys in the vicinity of the relevant secondary law office and other circumstances.

Article 30-18A legal professional corporation must not undertake a case that falls under any of the following items; provided, however, that thisdoes not apply in the case specified in item (iii) below if the client of a case undertaken by the legal professional corporation gives their consent.

Article 30-19(1)A member of a legal professional corporation must not become a member of another legal professional corporation.

(2)Any member of a legal professional corporation must not, without the approval of the other members, provide any legal services within the scope of the legal professional corporation's practice for their own or a third party's benefit; provided, however, that this does not apply when they handle matters entrusted by a public agency pursuant to the provisions of laws and regulations.

(3)If a member violates the provisions of the preceding paragraph and provides any legal services within the scope of the legal professional corporation's practice for their own or a third party's benefit, the amount of profit earned by that member or third party is presumed to be the amount of damages incurred by the legal professional corporation.

Article 30-20(1)The members, etc. of a legal professional corporation must not accept, demand, or promise to accept, any profit from the other party in connection with a case that the legal professional corporation has undertaken.

(2)The members, etc. of a legal professional corporation must not solicit the benefits from the other party to the legal professional corporation, or demand, or promise to accept any profit from the other party in connection with a case that the legal professional corporation has undertaken.

Article 30-21The provisions of Article 20, paragraphs (1) and (2), Articles 21, 22, 23-2, 24, and 27 through 29 apply mutatis mutandis to a legal professional corporation.

Article 30-22A member of a legal professional corporation withdraws from the legal professional corporation based on the following reasons:

Article 30-23(1)A legal professional corporation is dissolved for any of the following reasons:

(2)If a legal professional corporation is dissolved for any reason other than those referredto in items (iii) and (vi) of the preceding paragraph, it must provide a notification of dissolution to the bar association of which it holds a membership and to the Japan Federation of Bar Associations within two weeks from the date of dissolution.

Article 30-24Only if a legal professional corporation falls under item (vii) of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article due to the death of a member, the liquidator may, with the consent of the heir to that member (or, if a person is appointed to exercise the rights of that member pursuant to the provisions of Article 608, paragraph (5) of the Companies Act as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to the provisions of Article 675 of the Companies Act as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to the provisions of Article 30-30, paragraph (2), with the consent of the person), continue the legal professional corporation by admitting a new member into the legal professional corporation.

Article 30-25(1)The provisions of Article 824, Article 826, Article 868, paragraph (1), Article 870, paragraph (1) (limited to the part pertaining to item (x), the main text of Article 871, Article 872 (limited to the part pertaining to item (iv)), the main text of Article 873, Article 875, Article 876, Article 904 and Article 937, paragraph (1) (limited to the part pertaining to item (iii) (b)) of the Companies Act apply mutatis mutandis to the order to dissolve a legal professional corporation. The provisions of Article 825, Article 868, paragraph (1), Article 870, paragraph (1) (limited to the part pertaining to item (i)), Article 871, Article 872 (limited to the part pertaining to items (i) and (iv)), Article 873, Article 874 (limited to the part pertaining to items (ii) and (iii)), Article 875, Article 876, Article 905 and Article 906 of the Companies Act apply mutatis mutandis to the preservation of the legal professional corporation's assets when a petition is filed pursuant to the provisions of Article 824, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act as applied mutatis mutandis in this item.

(2)The provisions of Article 833, paragraph (2), Article 834 (limited to the part pertaining to item (xxi), Article 835, paragraph (1), Article 837, Article 838, Article 846, Article 937, paragraph (1) (limited to the part pertaining to item (i) (i)) of the Companies Act apply mutatis mutandis to an action seeking a court order to dissolve a legal professional corporation.

(3)If the Minister of Justice intends to seek a dissolution order under the provisions of Article 824, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act as applied mutatis mutandis to the paragraph (1), the Minister must hear the opinions of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations in advance.

Article 30-26(1)The liquidator of a legal professional corporation must be an attorney.

(2)Upon completion of liquidation, the liquidator must, upon registration of the completion of liquidation, promptly give a notice of completion of liquidation to the bar association of which the legal professional corporation held a membership and to the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, together with a certificate of registered information.

Article 30-26-2(1)The dissolution and liquidation of a legal professional corporation is subject to the supervision of the court.

(2)The court may, at any time, ex officio, conduct any inspection, which may be necessary for the supervision referred to in the preceding paragraph.

(3)The court supervising the dissolution and liquidation of a legal professional corporation may ask for the opinion of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations or request the Bar Associations to perform an investigation.

(4)The Japan Federation of Bar Associations may state its opinion to the court provided for in the preceding paragraph.

Article 30-26-3A district court having jurisdiction over the area in which the principal law office of the legal professional corporation is located has jurisdiction over a case relating to the supervision of the dissolution and liquidation of a legal professional corporation.

Article 30-26-4(1)The court may appoint an inspector in order to have them conduct investigations necessary for the supervision of the dissolution and liquidation of a legal professional corporation.

(2)No appeal may be filed against a judicial decision to appoint an inspector referred to in the preceding paragraph.

(3)If the court appoints an inspector referred to in paragraph (1), it may decide the amount of compensation that the legal professional corporation pays to the inspector. In this case, the court must hear the statements of the legal professional corporation and the inspector.

Article 30-27(1)A legal professional corporation may merge with another legal professional corporation with the consent of all members.

(2)A merger between legal professional corporations takes effect upon registration of the legal professional corporation that exists after the merger or formed through the merger in the district in which its principal law office is located.

(3)if legal professional corporations are merged, they must give a notice of merger to the bar association of which it holds a membership and to the Japan Federation of Bar Associations within two weeks from the date of merger, together with a certificate of registered information (copies of a certificate of registered information and the articles of incorporation if a legal professional corporation is formed through a merger).

(4)The legal professional corporation existing after the merger or formed through the merger succeeds to all rights and obligations of the legal professional corporation which is dissolved by the merger.

Article 30-28(1)A creditor of a legal profession corporation that merges with another may state an objection against the merger of the legal professional corporation.

(2)Each legal profession corporation that merges with another must make the following details public in the Official Gazette and notify each known creditor of the following details separately; provided, however that the period referred to in item (iii) below may not be less than one month:

(3)Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding paragraph, if the legal professional corporation that merged with another issues a public notice under the provisions of that paragraph in the manner referred to in items (ii) or (iii) of Article 939, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act in addition to the Official Gazette, pursuant to the provisions of its articles of incorporation under the provisions of paragraph (1) of Article 939 of the Companies Act as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to paragraph (6) below, a notice under the provisions of the preceding paragraph does not need to be issued.

(4)A creditor is deemed to have approved the merger unless it states an objection against the merger within the period referred to in paragraph (2), item (iii).

(5)If a creditor states an objection within the period referred to in paragraph (2), item (iii), the legal professional corporation that merges with anotherr must entrust sufficient properties to a trust company, etc. (meaning a trust company or financial institution that provides trust services (meaning a financial institution to which a permit under Article 1, paragraph (1) of the Act on Concurrent Operation, etc. of Trust Business by Financial Institutions (Act No. 43 of 1943) has been granted)) in order to repay the obligations to the creditor, provide sufficient security or to allow the creditor to receive payment for the debt; provided, however, that this does not apply if it is obvious that the merger will not cause any damage to the creditor.

(6)The provisions of Article 939, paragraph (1) (limited to the part pertaining to items (ii) and (iii)) and paragraph (3), Article 940, paragraph (1) (limited to the part pertaining to item (iii)) and paragraph (3), Article 941, Article 946, Article 947, Article 951, paragraph (2), Article 953 and Article 955 of the Companies Act apply mutatis mutandis to the public notice under the provisions of paragraph (2) issued by a legal professional corporation. In this case, the phrase "method of public notice" in Article 939, paragraphs (1) and (3) is deemed to be replaced with "method of public notice of merger" and the phrase "trade name" in Article 946, paragraph (3) is deemed to be replaced with "name."

Article 30-29The provisions of Article 828, paragraph (1) (limited to the part pertaining to items (vii) and (viii)) and paragraph (2) (limited to the part pertaining to items (vii) and (viii)), Article 834 (limited to the part pertaining to items (vii) and (viii)), Article 835, paragraph (1), Article 836, paragraphs (2) and (3), Articles 837 through 839, Article 843 (excluding paragraph (1), items (iii) and (iv) and the proviso to paragraph (2)) and Article 846 of the Companies Act apply mutatis mutandis to a petition to invalidate a merger of legal professional corporation. The provisions of Article 868, paragraph (6), Article 870, paragraph (2) (limited to the part pertaining to item (vi)), Article 870-2, the main text of Article 871, Article 872 (limited to the part pertaining to item (v)), Article 872-2, the main text of Article 873, Article 875 and Article 876 of the Companies Act apply mutatis mutandis to a petition set forth in Article 843, paragraph (4) of the Companies Act as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to this Article.

Article 30-30(1)The provisions of Article 4 of the Act on General Incorporated Association and General Incorporated Foundation (Act No. 48 of 2006) and Article 600, Articles 614 through 619, Article 621 and Article 622 of the Companies Act apply mutatis mutandis to a legal professional corporation. The provisions of Article 581, Article 582, Article 585, paragraphs (1) and (4), Article 586, Article 593, Article 595, Article 596, Article 601, Article 605, Article 606, Article 609, paragraphs (1) and (2), Article 611 (excluding the proviso to paragraph (1)) and Article 613 of the Companies Act apply mutatis mutandis to a member of a legal professional corporation. The provisions of Articles 859 through 862 of the Companies Act apply mutatis mutandis to an expulsion of a member of a legal professional corporation or an action for nullifying the right to provide legal services of a legal professional corporation, or the right to represent the legal professional corporation. In these cases, the phrase "trade name" in Article 613 is deemed to be replaced with "name" and the phrase "Article 594, paragraph (1) (including as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 598, paragraph (2))" in Article 859, item (ii) of that Act is deemed to be replaced with "Article 30-19, paragraph (1) or (2) of the Attorneys Act (Act No. 205 of 1949)."

(2)The provisions of Article 644 of the Companies Act (excluding item (iii)), and Articles 645 through 649, Article 650, paragraphs (1) and (2), Article 651, paragraphs (1) and (2) (excluding the part pertaining to mutatis mutandis application of Article 594), Article 652, Article 653, Articles 655 through 659, Articles 662 through 664, Articles 666 through 673, Article 675, Article 863, Article 864, Article 868, paragraph (1), Article 869, Article 870, paragraph (1) (limited to the part pertaining to items (i) and (ii)), Article 871, Article 872 (only with regard to item (iv)), Article 874 (limited to the part pertaining to items (i) and (iv)), Article 875 and Article 876 of that Act apply mutatis mutandis to dissolution and liquidation of a legal professional corporation. In this case, the phrase "Article 641, item (v)" in Article 644, item (i) is deemed to be replaced with " Article 30-23, paragraph (1), item (iii) of the Attorneys Act" and the phrase "Article 641, item (iv) or (vii)" in Article 647, paragraph (3) of that Act is deemed to be replaced with "Article 30-23, paragraph (1), items (v) through (vii) of the Attorneys Act" and the phrase "Article 641, items (i) through (iii)" in Article 668, paragraph (1) and Article 669 is deemed to be replaced with "Article 30-23, paragraph (1), item (i) or (ii) of the Attorneys Act" and the phrase "Article 939, paragraph (1)" in Article 670, paragraph (3) of that Act is deemed to be replaced with "Article 939, paragraph (1) as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 30-28, paragraph (6) of the Attorneys Act" and the phrase "Article 580" in Article 673, paragraph (1) of that Act is deemed to be replaced with "Article 30-15 of the Attorneys Act."

(3)The provisions of Article 828, paragraph (1) (limited to the part pertaining to item (i)) and paragraph (2) (limited to the part pertaining to item (i)), Article 834 (limited to the part pertaining to item (i)), Article 835, paragraph (1), Articles 837 through 839 and Article 846 of the Companies Act apply mutatis mutandis to an action to invalidate the incorporation of a legal professional corporation.

(4)With regard to the application of the provisions of Article 16 of the Bankruptcy Act (Act No. 75 of 2004), a legal professional corporation is deemed as a general partnership company.

Article 31(1)The purpose of a bar association is to, in view of the mission and duties of attorneys and legal professional corporations, perform functions relating to the guidance for, liaison between, and supervision over its members in order to maintain their integrity and improve and advance their legal services.

(2)A bar association is a juridical person.

Article 32A bar association must be established in the jurisdiction of each district court.

Article 33(1)A bar association must prepare its articles of association with the approval of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations.

(2)The following details must be included in the articles of association of a bar association:

(3)If any changes are to be made to the details provided in the preceding paragraph, approval of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations must be obtained.

Article 34(1)A bar association is formed upon registration of its establishment in the district in which it is located.

(2)The following details must be included in the registration of the establishment of a bar association:

(3)If a bar association is dissolved, it must register its dissolution within two weeks.

(4)If any changes are made to the details specified in paragraph (2) of this Article, changes to the registered details must be registered within two weeks.

(5)Details that must be registered by a bar association may not be duly asserted against a third party until the details have been registered.

(6)Beyond what is provided for in this Act, particulars necessary for the registration procedures of a bar association are provided by Cabinet Order.

Article 35(1)The representative of a bar association is its president.

(2)If the president is unable to perform their duties or the position is vacant, the vice-president performs the duties of the president as provided in this Act and in the articles of association of the bar association.

(3)With regard to the application of the Penal Code (Act No. 45 of 1907) or other penal provisions, the president and vice-presidents are deemed as officials engaging in public duties pursuant to the provisions of laws and regulations,.

Article 36(1)A person who is registered or whose registration has been transferred in the roll of attorneys, by operation of law, becomes a member of the bar association which they intend to join, and if their registration has been transferred, they thereby resign from their former bar association.

(2)A person whose registration has been revoked through a request under the provisions of Article 11, by operation of law, resigns from the bar association of which they hold a membership.

Article 36-2(1)A legal professional corporation, upon its establishment, becomes a member of the bar association of the district in which its principal law office is located (if there are two or more bar associations in that district, the one that is specified in the legal professional corporation's articles of incorporation).

(2)If a legal professional corporation establishes a new law office or relocates its law office outside the district of the bar association of which it holds a membership, it become a member of the bar association of the district in which the law office is located (if there are two or more bar associations in that district, the one that is specified in its articles of incorporation) upon registration of its establishment or relocation in that district.

(3)A legal professional corporation that no longer has a law office in the district of the bar association of which it holds a membership due to relocation or closure, it withdraws from the association upon registration of relocation or closure of that office in the district it was located.

(4)A legal professional corporation may transfer its bar association of which they hold a membership by amending its articles of incorporation, only when there are two or more bar associations in the district in which its law office is located.

(5)A legal professional corporation may not hold a membership of more than one bar association in the same district.

(6)A legal professional corporation that is admitted to a new bar association pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (2) or (4) must, within two weeks from the date of admission, give a notification thereof to the relevant bar association and to the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, together with the copies of a certificate of registered information and its articles of incorporation.

(7)If a legal professional corporation withdraws from a bar association pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (3) or (4), within two weeks from the date of withdrawal, it must give a notice of withdrawal to the relevant bar association and to the Japan Federation of Bar Associations.

Article 37(1)A bar association must hold a regular general meeting every year.

(2)A bar association may convene an extraordinary general meeting when it deems necessary.

Article 38A bar association must report resolutions adopted at its general meeting, and newly appointed and retired officers to the Japan Federation of Bar Associations.

Article 39Any changes to its articles of association, budgets and settlement of accounts must be resolved at its general meeting.

Article 40If a resolution adopted at the general meeting of a bar association adversely affects the public interest, or violates the provisions of laws or regulations or the articles of association of the bar association or the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, the latter may revoke the resolution.

Article 41A bar association may, at the request of an attorney, a legal professional corporation, the party in question, or other concerned parties, mediate any dispute regarding the duties of an attorney or the legal services of a legal professional corporation.

Article 42(1)A bar association must respond to inquiries from or a consultation requested by the Japan Federation of Bar Associations.

(2)A bar association may make proposals on the legal services of an attorney and a legal professional corporation and other judicial affairs to public agencies, or respond to their inquiries.

Article 43(1)If the jurisdiction of a district court is changed, and it is necessary for a bar association located in the district to merge or dissolve, the relevant bar association merges or dissolves, depending on the resolution adopted at its general meeting.

(2)The bar association that exists after the merger or is formed through the merger succeeds to all rights and obligations of the bar association which is dissolved by the merger.

(3)The provisions of Article 30-28 apply mutatis mutandis to a merger of bar associations. In this case, the phrase "articles of incorporation" in paragraph (3) is deemed to be replaced with "articles of association" and the phrase "Article 939, paragraphs (1) and (3) of that Act" in paragraph (6) of that Article is deemed to be replaced with "that paragraph and paragraph (3) of that Act, and the phrase "articles of incorporation in Article 939, paragraph (1) is deemed to be replaced with "articles of association".

(4)When a bar association is merged with another, an attorney who was a member of the bar association which is dissolved through the relevant merger, by operation of law, becomes a member of the bar association that exists after the merger or is formed through the merger.

(5)The provisions of Article 10, paragraph (1) apply mutatis mutandis to attorneys in the case specified in the preceding paragraph.

Article 43-2A dissolved bar association is deemed as the bar association that still exists until the liquidation is completed, strictly for the purpose of liquidation.

Article 43-3(1)If a bar association has been dissolved, the president becomes the liquidator, except in the case of a dissolution of the bar association based on a decision to commence bankruptcy proceedings; provided, however, that this does not apply when provided otherwise in the articles of incorporation or a person other than the president has been appointed as a liquidator at a general meeting.

(2)The following persons may not be appointed as a liquidator.

Article 43-4If there is no person who becomes a liquidator pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, or if any damage is likely to occur due to the vacancy in the position of a liquidator, the court may appoint a liquidator at the request of any interested person or public prosecutor, or ex officio.

Article 43-5At the request of an interested person or the public prosecutor or ex officio, the court may dismiss the liquidator if they have sufficient grounds to do so.

Article 43-6(1)The duties of a liquidator are as follows:

(2)A liquidator may take any action that is necessary to perform their duties set forth in the items of the preceding paragraph.

Article 43-7(1)Within two months from the date on which a liquidator begins to act as liquidator, the liquidator must demand that the creditors must file their claims within a specific period, issuing at least three public notices. In this case, the period may not be less than two months.

(2)A public notice referred to in the preceding paragraph must include a supplementary note stating that if a creditor fails to file their claim within the specified period, their claim will be excluded from the liquidation process; provided, however, that the liquidator may not exclude any known creditor.

(3)The liquidator must demand that each known creditor must file its claim.

(4)A public notice referred to in paragraph (1) is published in the Official Gazette.

Article 43-8A creditor that files a claim after the period referred to in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article is entitled to file a claim only against the assets which, after all debts of the bar association have been paid off, have not yet been delivered to persons with vested rights.

Article 43-9(1)The dissolution and liquidation of a bar association is subject to the supervision of the court.

(2)The court may conduct the inspections necessary for the supervision under the preceding paragraph ex officio, at any time.

Article 43-10A case concerning the supervision of the dissolution and liquidation of a bar association or a case concerning the liquidator is subject to the jurisdiction of the district court that has jurisdiction over the district in which the firm thereof is located.

Article 43-11No appeal may be filed against a judicial decision on the appointment of a liquidator.

Article 43-12If the court appoints a liquidator pursuant to the provisions of Article 43-4, it may determine the amount of remuneration paid to the liquidator by the bar association. In this case, the court must hear statements from the liquidator.

Article 43-13Deletion (May 2011, Act No. 53)

Article 43-14(1)The court may appoint an inspector in order to have the inspector conduct investigations necessary for the supervision of the dissolution and liquidation of a bar association.

(2)The provisions of Article 43-11 and Article 43-12 apply mutatis mutandis if the court appoints an inspector pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph. In this case, the phrase "of a liquidator" is deemed to be replaced with "of a bar association and an inspector".

Article 43-15The provisions of Chapters II, III and IV-2 of the Administrative Procedure Act (Act No. 88 of 1993) do not apply to a disposition taken by a bar association pursuant to this Act.

Article 44Bar associations that fall under the jurisdiction of the same high court may, in order to jointly perform certain matters, set rules and establish a federation of bar associations with the approval of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations.

Article 45(1)Bar associations in Japan must establish the Japan Federation of Bar Associations.

(2)The purpose of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations is to, in view of the mission and duties of attorneys and legal professional corporations, perform functions relating to the guidance for, liaison between, and supervision over the attorneys, legal professional corporations, and bar associations, in order to maintain their integrity and improve and advance the functions of attorneys and legal professional corporations.

(3)The Japan Federation of Bar Associations is a juridical person.

Article 46(1)The Japan Federation of Bar Associations must prepare its articles of association.

(2)The following particulars must be prescribed in the articles of association of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations.

Article 47Attorneys, legal professional corporations, and bar associations, by operation of law, become a member of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations.

Article 48The Japan Federation of Bar Associations may request public agencies or other organs to conduct an investigation necessary for the functions concerning the guidance for, liaison between, and supervision over attorneys, legal professional corporations, and bar associations.

Article 49The Supreme Court may, if it deems necessary, demand that the Japan Federation of Bar Associations reports on its functions, or request an investigation into an attorney, a legal professional corporation, or a bar association.

Article 49-2The provisions of Chapters II, III and IV-2 of the Administrative Procedure Act do not apply to a disposition made by the Japan Federation of Bar Associations under this Act.

Article 49-3No appeal under the Administrative Appeal Act may be filed against the dispositions made by the Japan Federation of Bar Associations under this Act.

Article 50The provisions of Article 34, 35, 37, 39 and Article 42, paragraph (2) apply mutatis mutandis to the Japan Federation of Bar Associations.

Article 51(1)Each bar association and the Japan Federation of Bar Associations respectively establishes a qualifications screening board.

(2)A qualifications screening board conducts necessary examinations of requests for registration, requests for transfer or requests for revocation, at the request of the bar association or the Japan Federation of Bar Associations which established the board.

Article 52(1)A qualifications screening board is composed of a president and several board members.

(2)The president of the bar association or the Japan Federation of Bar Associations in which a qualifications screening board is established becomes the ex-officio president of the relevant board.

(3)The president of the qualifications screening board appoints board members from among attorneys, judges, public prosecutors and persons with relevant expertise; provided, however, that the board members of the qualifications screening board of a bar association who are judges or prosecutors must be appointed based on the recommendations respectively of the High Court, the District Court, the superintendent public prosecutor of the High Public Prosecutors Office, or the chief public prosecutor of the District Public Prosecutors Office, located within the same jurisdiction, and the other members must be appointed based on a resolution adopted at a general meeting of the bar association. The members of the qualifications screening board of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations who are judges or prosecutors must be appointed based on the recommendations of the Supreme Court or the Prosecutor General, and the other members must be appointed based on a resolution adopted at a general meeting of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations.

(4)The term of office of a board member is two years; provided, however, that the term of office of the substitute board member is the remaining term of office of the predecessor.

Article 53(1)Each qualifications screening board has several reserve members.

(2)The provisions of paragraphs (3) and (4) of the preceding Article apply mutatis mutandis to reserve members.

(3)If a board member is unable to perform their duties or there is a vacancy in the committee, the president appoints a person who acts in place of that member from among reserve members that have the same qualifications.

Article 54(1)The president supervises all affairs of the board.

(2)With regard to the application of the provisions of the Penal Code or other penal provisions, the president, board members and reserve board members are deemed as officials engaged in public duties pursuant to the provisions of laws and regulations.

Article 55(1)The qualifications screening board may, when necessary for screening, request the party, person concerned, public agencies or other organs to submit statements, explanations or information.

(2)If the qualifications screening board adopts a resolution that allows refusal of a request for registration, a request for transfer of registration or the transmission thereof, or that accepts a request for revocation of registration under the provisions of Article 13, it must provide notice of refusal or acceptance to the party and give them an opportunity to submit statements and information on this notice.

Article 72No person other than an attorney or a legal professional corporation may, for the purpose of earning compensation, engage in the legal services such as provision of an expert opinion, representation, mediation, or settlement of the case for which an appeal is filed with the administrative authority, including a request for administrative review, objection, request for re-examination or other general legal cases, or may engage in mediation services related to these cases; provided, however, this does not apply if otherwise provided in this Act or other laws.

Article 73No person may engage in the business that exercises the rights assigned to a person by others through lawsuit, mediation, conciliation or any other means.

Article 74(1)A person who is not an attorney or a legal professional corporation must not use the indication or description of "attorney" or "law office."

(2)A person who is not an attorney or a legal professional corporation must not use an indication or provide a description that the person provides legal consultations or other legal services, in order to make a profit.

(3)A person that is not a legal professional corporation must not use "legal professional corporation" or any other name similar to this in its name.

Article 75(1)If a person who is not qualified to become an attorney has their name registered in the roll of attorneys by filing a false statement on their professional qualifications with the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, the person is punished by imprisonment with work not more than two years or a fine not more than one million yen.

(2)The preceding paragraph also applies to a person who obtained approval on the application filed pursuant to the provisions of Article 5-2, paragraph (1) from the Minister of Justice, by filing a false statement on the important matters, such as the period during which the person retained the position under the provisions of Article 5, item (i) or (iii), the period during which the person engaged in the duties under the provisions of item (ii) of that Article, and the details ofthe duties referred to in that item.

(3)Any attempt to commit the crimes specified in the preceding two paragraphs is punishable.

Article 76Any person who violates the provisions of Article 26 or Article 30-20 is punished by imprisonment with work not more than three years.

Article 77A person who falls under any of the following items is punished by imprisonment with work not more than two years or a fine not more than three million yen:

Article 77-2Any person who violates the provisions of Article 74 is punished by a fine not more than one million yen.

Article 77-3Any person that fails to, in violation of the provisions of Article 955, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to the provisions of Article 30-28, paragraph (6) (including as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to the provisions of Article 43, paragraph (3)), enter or record the details specified by Ministry of Justice Order regarding the investigation into electronic public notice prescribed in that paragraph in the investigation record books, etc., prescribed in that paragraph, or that enters or records a false details, or fails to retain the relevant investigation record books, etc., is punished by a fine not more than three hundred thousand yen.

Article 78(1)If members, etc. of a legal professional corporation violate the provisions of the following items in connection with the legal services of the relevant corporation, the accused member is punished, and in addition, the relevant legal professional corporation is subject to a fine specified in the relevant items:

(2)If a representative of a juridical person or other worker such as an agent or employee of a juridical person or an individual violates the provisions of Article 77, item (iii) or (iv), Article 77-2 or the preceding Article in connection with the legal services of the relevant juridical person or individual, the accused person is punished, and in addition the relevant juridical or person or the individual is punished bya fine specified respectively in this Article.

Article 79Any person who falls under any of the following items is punished by a civil fine not more than one million yen:

Article 79-2A member or a liquidator of a legal professional corporation who falls under any of the following items is punished by a civil fine not more than three hundred thousand yen: