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 maintain 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 to conduct actions regarding a litigation case, non-contentious case, or case in which an appeal is filed against an administrative authority, including a request for an administrative review, request for re-investigation, or request for re-examination, and conduct other general legal practices, at the request of the relevant party or other concerned parties, or through entrustment by a public agency.

(2)Without any further qualifications, an attorney may perform functions as a patent attorney and a certified public tax accountant.

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 certified by the Minister of Justice as having satisfied one of the requirements set forth in the following items and having subsequently completed a training course designated by the Minister of Justice that a corporation specified by Ministry of Justice Order provides regarding attorney services 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 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, and the duration of service referred to in item (i) or (iii) of the preceding Article or both the duration of duties referred to in item (ii) of that Article and the details of duties under that item, as specified by Ministry of Justice Order.

(2)The documents specified by Ministry of Justice Order must be attached to the application for certification referred to in the preceding paragraph, 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 and a document certifying the duration of service prescribed in items (i) or (iii) of the preceding Article or both the duration of duties prescribed in item (ii) of that Article and the details of the relevant duties.

(3)A person submitting an application under paragraph (1) must pay a fee prescribed by Cabinet Order in consideration of actual expenses.

Article 5-3(1)If the Minister of Justice finds that a person submitting an application under 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 written notice of the training course to the applicant.

(2)When an applicant completes all training course programs, without delay, the corporation implementing the training course must 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 finds that the applicant has completed all training course programs based on the report under the preceding paragraph, the Minister must issue the certification referred to in Article 5 (hereinafter simply referred to as "certification") to the applicant.

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

(5)The provisions of Chapter II, Section 4 of the Administrative Complaint Review Act (Act No. 68 of 2014) do not apply to a request for an administrative review of a disposition for which an application has been filed pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article (excluding a disposition of dismissal by reason that the applicant does not fall under any of the items of Article 5) or the inaction of the disposition.

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

Article 5-5If the Minister of Justice finds it necessary for the handling of administrative functions relating to certification, the Minister may request that an applicant submit necessary materials, or request that public offices, public or private organizations, or other relevant persons 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 Article 4, 5 or 6, the following persons are not qualified to become an attorney:

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

Article 9To become an attorney, a person must file a request for the 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 in which the attorney holds a membership, the attorney must file a request for transfer of the 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 the registration, the attorney must notify the bar association in which they hold a membership of their request.

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

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

(2)The preceding paragraph applies to an applicant who was a full-time public employee in the district of the relevant bar association in the last one-year period before their request for the registration or transfer of the registration, and who is likely to be particularly unfit to perform their duties of an attorney 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 written notice of refusal stating the grounds to the person who has filed the request for the registration or request for transfer of the registration.

(4)If a bar association has failed to transmit the request for the registration or for transfer of the registration to the Japan Federation of Bar Associations although three months have passed since it received the request, a person who filed the request may deem that its transmission has been rejected, and may file a request for an administrative review.

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

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

(3)The provisions of Article 9, Article 17, Chapter II, Section 3 and Article 50, paragraph (2) of the Administrative Complaint Review Act do not apply to the request for an administrative review set forth in paragraph (1).

(4)With respect to the application of the provisions of the Administrative Complaint Review Act to the request for an administrative review under paragraph (1), the term "a person appointed pursuant to the provisions of Article 9, paragraph (1) (hereinafter referred to as a" review officer ")" in Article 11, paragraph (2) of the same Act is deemed to be replaced with "the Qualifications Screening Board of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations"; the term "a review officer" in Article 13, paragraphs (1) and (2) of the same Act is deemed to be replaced with "the Qualifications Screening Board under Article 11, paragraph (2)"; and the term "receives a report on a consultation from the Administrative Complaint Review Board, etc. (when a review officer's written opinion is submitted in cases where the consultation under the provisions of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article is not required (excluding cases that fall under item (ii) or (iii) of the same paragraph), or when deliberations under item (ii) or (iii) of the same paragraph are held in cases that fall under item (ii) or (iii) of the same paragraph)" in Article 44 of the same Act is deemed to be replaced with "when a resolution under Article 12-2, paragraph (1) of the Attorneys Act (Act No.205 of 1949) ".

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

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

Article 14(1)A person against whom a request for revocation of the 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 three months from the day following the day on which the person received the notice to that effect.

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

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

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

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

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

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

(3)A lawsuit for the revocation regarding the refusal to transmit the request for the registration or the request for transfer of the registration may be filed only against the administrative determination that the Japan Federation of Bar Associations has made on that refusal.

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

Article 18If a bar association finds that there are reasonable grounds to revoke the registration of its member in 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 notice of an attorney's registration, transfer of the registration, or revocation of the registration in the roll of attorneys to the bar association in which the attorney holds a membership, and publicize this 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 in 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 21When an attorney establishes or relocates their law office, they must immediately notify the bar association in which they hold a membership and the Japan Federation of Bar Associations to that effect.

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

Article 23An attorney or 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; provided, however, that this does not apply to a case otherwise provided by law.

Article 23-2(1)An attorney may request that the bar association in which they hold a membership make inquiries to public offices or public or private organizations and request them to report information necessary for a case the attorney undertakes. If the attorney files the request but the bar association finds it to be inappropriate, the bar association may refuse that request.

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

Article 24Without justifiable grounds, an attorney may not decline 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 in 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 perform their duties in the following cases; provided, however, that this does not apply to the cases specified in items (iii) and (ix), if the client of the case the attorney undertakes gives their consent:

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

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 29If an attorney decides not to accept a request to undertake 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 in which they hold a membership of the matters set forth in the relevant items:

(2)A bar association must prepare a roll of attorneys engaged in for-profit business including the particulars set forth in the items of the preceding paragraph for persons who have filed a notification under that paragraph, and keep the roll of attorneys at the office of the bar association for public inspection.

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

(4)If the notification under the preceding paragraph is filed, the bar association must immediately make changes to or delete the particulars registered in the roll of attorneys engaged in for-profit business.

Article 30-2(1)An attorney may establish a corporation to provide the services under 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)A member of a legal professional corporation must be an attorney.

(2)The person specified below may not become a member of a legal professional corporation:

Article 30-5In addition to the services specified in Article 3, in accordance with the provisions of its articles of incorporation, a legal professional corporation may provide all or part of the services designated by Ministry of Justice Order as services that an attorney may provide pursuant to the provisions of laws and regulations.

Article 30-6(1)A legal professional corporation receives a request form its client to assign the following legal practices to an attorney who is its member or employee (hereinafter referred to as an "attorney who is a member or employee" in this Article). In this case, the legal professional corporation must allow the client to appoint a representative, a defense counsel, an attendant, or an assistant in court, from among the attorneys who are the legal professional corporation's members or employees:

(2)A legal professional corporation may not be exempted from liability for damages suffered by the client in connection with the legal practices specified in the preceding paragraph, unless it proves that the attorneys who are its members or employees 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 provisions of the preceding paragraph may not be duly asserted against a third party until their registration has been completed.

Article 30-8(1)In order to establish a legal professional corporation, the attorneys who are to become its members 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 professional corporation must include, at least, the following particulars:

Article 30-9A legal professional corporation is formed upon registration of its establishment at the location of its principal law office.

Article 30-10A legal professional corporation must give a notification of establishment to the bar association in 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, within two weeks from the date of its establishment.

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)If a legal professional corporation amends its articles of incorporation, it must notify the bar association in which it holds a membership and the Japan Federation of Bar Associations of the amendment, within two weeks from the date of that 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 its representative 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 certain acts to another person as their agent, unless prohibited by the articles of incorporation.

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

(2)Only a member who receives the designation (hereinafter referred to as a "designated member") has the right and obligation to provide the legal services in a case designated pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph (hereinafter referred to as a "designated case").

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

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

(5)A client may request that the legal professional corporation clarify, by specifying a reasonable period of time, whether or not the legal professional corporation will designate a member who will undertake the requested case pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) within that period. In this case, if the legal professional corporation fails to give 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's positon becomes vacant before the entrusted legal practices for the designated case have been 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 satisfy its obligations by selling its assets, each member is jointly and severally liable to perform the obligations.

(2)If judicial enforcement 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 judicial enforcement can be easily effected.

(4)Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1), if a member has been designated pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article and 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 the legal professional corporation is unable to satisfy its obligations owed to the client for the designated case by selling its assets, the designated member (including those who were designated members; hereinafter the same applies in this Article) is jointly and severally liable to perform the obligations; provided, however, that this does not apply if a former designated member who has resigned from the legal professional corporation proves that the obligations in question are due to the grounds that arose after their resignation.

(5)In the case referred to in the preceding paragraph, if judicial enforcement against a legal professional corporation's assets based on a client's claims that have arisen from a designated case is unsuccessful, the provisions of preceding paragraph also apply, except when a designated member proves that the legal professional corporation has sufficient resources and that the judicial enforcement can be easily effected.

(6)In the case referred to in paragraph (4), if a member who has not received the designation has been involved in providing legal services concerning 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 were 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 for 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 misleads others to believe that the person in question is 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 in the bar association in the district in which the law office is located (or the membership in the bar association in 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) be permanently assigned to its law office; provided, however, that this does not apply to a 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 be permanently assigned to its secondary law office, taking into consideration the distribution of attorneys in the vicinity of the relevant secondary law office and other circumstances.

Article 30-18A legal professional corporation must not provide legal services in a case that falls under any of the following items; provided, however, that this does not apply to the case specified in item (iii), if the client of the case it undertakes gives their consent:

Article 30-19(1)A member of a legal professional corporation must not become a member of another legal professional corporation or attorney/registered foreign lawyer joint corporation.

(2)Any member of a legal professional corporation must not provide any legal services that fall under the scope of the legal professional corporation's services, for their own or a third party's benefit without the approval of the other members; 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 that fall under the scope of the legal professional corporation's services, 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 suffered by the legal professional corporation.

Article 30-20(1)A member or employee 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 undertakes.

(2)A member or employee 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 undertakes.

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 resigns from the legal professional corporation based on the following grounds:

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

(2)If a legal professional corporation is dissolved due to any grounds other than those referred to in items (iii) and (vi) of the preceding paragraph, it must notify the bar association in which it holds a membership and the Japan Federation of Bar Associations to that effect within two weeks from the date of its 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 continue the legal professional corporation by admitting a new member into the legal professional corporation, 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 that are also applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to the provisions of Article 30-30, paragraph (2), with the consent of the person).

Article 30-25(1)The provisions of Article 824, Article 826, Article 868, paragraph (1), Article 870, paragraph (1) (limited to the part referring to item (x)), the main text of Article 871, Article 872 (limited to the part referring to item (iv)), the main text of Article 873, Article 875, Article 876, Article 904 and Article 937, paragraph (1) (limited to the part referring 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 referring to item (i)), Article 871, Article 872 (limited to the part referring to items (i) and (iv)), Article 873, Article 874 (limited to the part referring 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 pursuant to this paragraph.

(2)The provisions of Article 833, paragraph (2), Article 834 (limited to the part referring to item (xxi)), Article 835, paragraph (1), Article 837, Article 838, Article 846, Article 937, paragraph (1) (limited to the part referring 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 file a request for a dissolution order under Article 824, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to the paragraph (1), the Minister must hear the opinions of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations.

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

(2)When the liquidation has been completed, the liquidator must give a notification of that completion of liquidation to the bar association in which the legal professional corporation held a membership and to the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, together with a certificate of registered information, promptly upon registration of the completion of liquidation.

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 conduct any inspection necessary for the supervision referred to in the preceding paragraph at any time, by its authority.

(3)The court supervising the dissolution and liquidation of a legal professional corporation may request that the Japan Federation of Bar Associations give its opinion or may entrust it with 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 location of the legal professional corporation's principal law office has jurisdiction over a case relating to the supervision of the dissolution and liquidation of that 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 surviving or established through the merger at the location of its principal law office.

(3)If a merger takes place, the legal professional corporation must give a notification of the merger to the bar association in which it holds a membership and to the Japan Federation of Bar Associations within two weeks from the date of the merger, together with a certificate of registered information (or together with copies of a certificate of registered information and the articles of incorporation, if the legal professional corporation is established through the merger).

(4)The legal professional corporation surviving or established through the merger succeeds to all rights and obligations of the legal professional corporation disappearing in the merger.

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

(2)A legal professional corporation that merges with another legal professional corporation must publicize the following details in the Official Gazette and notify each known creditor to that effect separately; provided, however that the period referred to in item (iii) may not be less than one month:

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

(4)A creditor is deemed to have approved the merger unless they state 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 another legal professional corporation must satisfy the obligations, provide sufficient security to the creditor, or entrust sufficient properties to a trust company or financial institution (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 Engagement in Trust Business by Financial Institutions (Act No. 43 of 1943) has been granted)) in order to have the obligations to the creditor satisfied; provided, however, that this does not apply if the merger is not likely to cause any damage to the creditor.

(6)The provisions of Article 939, paragraph (1) (limited to the part referring to items (ii) and (iii)) and paragraph (3), Article 940, paragraph (1) (limited to the part referring 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 paragraph (2) issued by a legal professional corporation. In this case, the phrase "method of public notice" in Article 939, paragraphs (1) and (3) of that Act is deemed to be replaced with "method of public notice of merger" and the phrase "trade name" in Article 946, paragraph (3) of that Act is deemed to be replaced with "name".

Article 30-29The provisions of Article 828, paragraph (1) (limited to the part referring to items (vii) and (viii)) and paragraph (2) (limited to the part referring to items (vii) and (viii)), Article 834 (limited to the part referring 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 corporations. The provisions of Article 868, paragraph (6), Article 870, paragraph (2) (limited to the part referring to item (vi)), Article 870-2, the main text of Article 871, Article 872 (limited to the part referring 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 action for seeking removal of a member of a legal professional corporation or for seeking extinguishment of 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 of that Act 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 referring 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 referring to items (i) and (ii)), Article 871, Article 872 (limited to the part referring to item (iv)), Article 874 (limited to the part referring 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) of that Act is deemed to be replaced with "Article 30-23, paragraph (1), item (iii) of the Attorneys Act", 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", the phrase "Article 641, items (i) through (iii)" in Article 668, paragraph (1) and Article 669 of that Act is deemed to be replaced with "Article 30-23, paragraph (1), item (i) or (ii) of the Attorneys Act", 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 referring to item (i)) and paragraph (2) (limited to the part referring to item (i)), Article 834 (limited to the part referring 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 perform functions relating to the guidance for, liaison between, and supervision over its members in order to maintain their dignity and improve and advance their legal practice, in view of the mission and duties of an attorney and a legal professional corporation.

(2)A bar association is a corporation.

Article 32At least one 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 at its location.

(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, the changes to the 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 unavailable to perform their duties or their 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 to be officials engaging in public duties pursuant to the provisions of laws and regulations,.

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

(2)A person whose registration has been revoked through a request under Article 11 withdraws from the bar association in which they hold a membership as a matter of course.

Article 36-2(1)Upon its establishment, a legal professional corporation 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 or relocates a law office outside the district of the bar association in which it holds a membership, at the time the registration to that effect is made at the location of the new law office (or at the location of a principal law office, if a secondary law office is established or relocated), it becomes a member of the bar association of the district in which the new law office is located (or the district in which a secondary law office is located, if the secondary law office is established or relocated; and if there are two or more bar associations in that district, it becomes a member of the association that is specified in its articles of incorporation).

(3)When a legal professional corporation no longer has a law office in the district of the bar association in which it holds a membership due to relocation or closure of that office, it is to withdraw from the association upon registration of that relocation or closure at the former location of that office (or at the location of a principal law office, in the case of a relocation or the closure of a secondary law office).

(4)A legal professional corporation may transfer its bar association in which it holds a membership by amending its articles of incorporation, only when its location has two or more bar associations.

(5)A legal professional corporation may not hold a membership in multiple bar associations in the same district.

(6)A legal professional corporation that has joined a new bar association pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (2) or (4) must give a notification to that effect 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, within two weeks from the date on which it joined the association.

(7)If a legal professional corporation withdraws from a bar association in which it holds a membership, pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (3) or (4), it must give a notification to that effect to the relevant bar association and to the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, within two weeks from the date on which it withdrew from the association.

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

(2)A bar association may hold an extraordinary general meeting when it finds 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 Japan Federation of Bar Associations may revoke the resolution.

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

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

(2)A bar association may make proposals concerning the legal practices of an attorney or legal professional corporation as well as concerning judicial affairs to public agencies, or respond to their consultation

Article 43(1)If the jurisdiction of a district court is changed, and a bar association located in the district needs to merge or dissolve, that bar association is to merge or dissolve, upon the resolution adopted at its general meeting.

(2)The bar association surviving or established through the merger succeeds to all rights and obligations of the bar association disappearing in 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) of that Article is deemed to be replaced with "articles of association" and the phrase "the phrase 'method of public notice' in Article 939, paragraphs (1) and (3) of that Act" in paragraph (6) of that Article is deemed to be replaced with "the phrase 'article of incorporation' in Article 939, paragraph (1) of that Act is deemed to be replaced with 'article of association', the phrase 'method of public notice' in that paragraph and in paragraph (3) of that Article".

(4)If a bar association is merged with another bar association, an attorney who was a member of the bar association which is dissolved through the relevant merger becomes a member of the bar association surviving or established through the merger, as a matter of course.

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

Article 43-2A dissolved bar association is deemed to still exists until the liquidation is completed, only for the purpose of its 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 an order commencing bankruptcy proceedings; provided, however, that this does not apply to a case otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation or to a case in which a person other than the president has been appointed as a liquidator at a general meeting.

(2)The person specified below 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 by its authority.

Article 43-5At the request of an interested person or the public prosecutor or by its authority, the court may dismiss the liquidator if it has 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)The 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)The 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 have not yet been delivered to persons with vested rights, after all the obligations of the bar association are satisfied.

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 any inspection necessary for the supervision referred to in the preceding paragraph at any time, by its authority.

Article 43-10A case concerning the supervision of the dissolution and liquidation of a bar association or concerning the liquidator is subject to the jurisdiction of the district court that has jurisdiction over the location of the relevant office .

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

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 "the liquidator" is deemed to be replaced with "the bar association and the 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 set rules and establish a federation of bar associations with the approval of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, in order to jointly perform certain matters.

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 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 dignity and improve and advance the legal practice of attorneys and legal professional corporations, in view of the mission and duties of attorneys and legal professional corporations.

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

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 become members of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations as a matter of course.

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

Article 49If the Supreme Court finds it necessary, it may request that the Japan Federation of Bar Associations report on its functions, or may request that the Japan Federation of Bar Associations conduct 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 request for an administrative review may be filed with regard to a disposition made by the Japan Federation of Bar Associations pursuant to this Act or its inaction.

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)Bar associations and the Japan Federation of Bar Associations establish qualifications screening boards.

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

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

(2)The president of the bar association or the Japan Federation of Bar Associations holds the position of the president of the qualifications screening board established under it.

(3)The president of the qualifications screening board appoints members from among attorneys, judges, public prosecutors and persons with relevant expertise; provided, however, that in the case of a bar association, the qualifications screening board members who are judges or prosecutors must be appointed based on the recommendations of the high court or the district court located within the same jurisdiction, on the recommendations of the superintendent public prosecutor of the high public prosecutor's office or the chief public prosecutor of the district public prosecutor's office that is 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; and in the case of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, the qualifications screening board members 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 member is two years; provided, however, that the term of office of the substitute member is the remaining term of office of the predecessor.

Article 53(1)A 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 member is unavailable to perform their duties or their position is vacant, 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 presides all affairs of the board.

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

Article 55(1)When necessary for its examination, the qualifications screening board may request that the party, person concerned, public agencies, or other organs make statements, provide explanations, or submit materials.

(2)If the qualifications screening board adopts a resolution that allows refusal of a request for the registration, a request for transfer of the registration, or the transmission of those requests, or adapts a resolution that accepts a request for revocation of the registration under Article 13, it must provide notice to that effect to the party and give them an opportunity to make statements and submit materials concerning this.

Article 72No person other than an attorney or legal professional corporation may provide an expert opinion, represent a client, arbitrate a case, settle a case, or otherwise handle legal services regarding a litigation case, non-contentious case, case in which an appeal is filed against an administrative authority, including a request for an administrative review, request for re-investigation, or request for re-examination, or other general legal cases, or engage in mediation services involving the abovementioned actions, for the purpose of receiving compensation as their business; provided, however, this does not apply to a case otherwise provided in this Act or other laws.

Article 73As their business, no person may exercise rights that another person has assigned to them through a lawsuit, conciliation, settlement, or any other means.

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

(2)A person who is not an attorney or legal professional corporation must not use the indication or description that the person handles 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 for not more than two years or a fine of not more than one million yen.

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

(3)Any attempt to commit the crimes referred to 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 for not more than three years.

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

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

Article 77-3If, 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)), a person fails to enter or record the details specified by Ministry of Justice Order or enters or records false details in the investigation record books, etc. prescribed in Article 955, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act regarding the investigation into an electronic public notice prescribed in that paragraph, or fails to retain those investigation record books, etc., that person is punished by a fine of not more than three hundred thousand yen.

Article 78(1)If a member or employer of a legal professional corporation violates the provisions of the following items in connection with the legal services of the relevant corporation, that member or employer 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 corporation or an agent, employee, other worker of a corporation or individual violates the provisions of Article 77, item (iii) or (iv), Article 77-2, or the preceding Article in connection with the services of the corporation or individual, in addition for the offender being subject to punishment, the corporation or individual is punished by a fine specified in the relevant Article.

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

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